A Beautiful Gift

Before the 911 call on April 1st, Charles and I had a normal conversation. I was doing TaeBo in the living room, and he was getting ready for work in the bathroom. I could see his reflection in the mirror as I was forcefully jiggling my body around, punching and kicking along with the workout video.

At one point during some painful side-kicks I said, "Charles, I am tired of being so chubby!" I could see his handsome bearded face staring back at me in the mirror. He was brushing his hair, then he stopped and his reflection said to me, "Mari, you are so beautiful, I'm so proud of you." These words caught me off-guard. He often said nice things, but his comment quickly silenced me, and I felt how much he loved me -- no matter what shape or form I'm in.

I did not know, however, that those would be his last words to me. They were his last words spoken in peace, before he stopped breathing, the chaos began, and our lives changed forever.

I do not think he could have said anything more perfect to me that day. Those words are often repeated in my mind when I am running, working-out, or just going about my days. I can hear his voice encouraging me, and reminding me how much he loves me.

One of my friends offered to have vinyl lettering made of his words to me. The picture above is the final product. I LOVE it! It is SO beautiful, and in the perfect place -- it is on the same mirror where those words were last spoken to me by Charles.

Now, everyday when I look in the bathroom mirror I will be reminded of how Charles feels about me. And when I am feeling nasty and gross, and having a bad hair day, I can look up at the words and smile...

He thinks I'm beautiful. He is proud of me. He loves me.

Thank you so much, Melissa! And thank you so much to your friend at the Vinyl Company -- it is wonderful! :-)

Go HERE for vinyl lettering for your home.