I WILL WAIT

On their first date he was at the restaurant when she called him to say,

“I’m running late.”

He smiled and said, “However long it takes you…don’t worry…I will wait.”

And on many a date thereafter…when he came to pick her up and she’d say,

“I’m running a little late.”

He’d smile and say, “However long it takes you…don’t worry…I will wait.”

On their wedding day…with everyone seated at the church

Her dad announced…”The bride is running a little late.”

He smiled and told her father, 

“Tell her, not to worry…however long it takes her…I will wait.”

And throughout their life together…whenever she was running late,

He would always smile patiently…knowing she was worth the wait.

When her walk began to slow down…when age affected her gait…

He would stop…turn to her and say, 

“However long it takes you…don’t worry…I will wait.”

When she was sick…in the hospital…he could see she was losing weight.

and she said, “Go home…you need your rest…besides…it’s getting late.”

He gently laid his head upon her shoulder and whispered,
“I’m not leaving…there will be no debate…

as long as it takes for you to get better…don’t worry…I will wait.”

When she was nearing the end…once she recognized her fate…

She took his hand in hers and whispered,
“Thank you…our life together has been great.”

“But now it’s time for me to go…

it looks like for once you’re the ones who will be late…

but however long it takes you to join me…

don’t worry…I will wait.”