It’s hard for me to put into words how deeply I love James, how easy it is to love everything about him, and how incredibly grateful I am to God for bringing us together. He fulfills everything I have ever hoped for in a husband. Being his wife… well, it’s an honor.
We loved being together every moment we could. And the last couple of months, though at times difficult, were still filled with little and big ways of showing our love for each other and feeling God’s love for us. Taking care of him during this time was my pleasure, truly, because my whole being simply and fully loves him, “in sickness and in health,” despite the heartbreak that has followed. The joy of being married to James, sharing our love with each other and beyond, so far outshines the sadness of right now. The heartbreak will pass. The love and joy will always remain.
James loves all of his children so much. His screen on his phone is of them. It’s one little way that shows he was thinking of them and loving them throughout every day! When he and I were dating, one of his concerns was that I would be jealous of time that he would want to spend with his kids — and I assured him that I felt his time with them was more important! No jealousy from me at all.
He loves his brothers and family with an innate depth I’ve rarely witnessed. And they love him. I’m so very touched by their oneness — and that they welcomed me into this special family.
James lives every day to follow Christ Jesus’ commands: to love one another, to love your neighbor, to love your enemy, and to heal one another. He encourages us to turn our thought to God, Spirit; to see our unlimited, spiritual identity rather than a limited view existence; and to feel and express God’s love for us. He prays daily to heal every burdened or broken heart, as well as heal our world. This prayer is not about making others see his personal point of view, but about seeing every one of us — from a friend to a government official, here in this country or on the other side of the planet — as the offspring of God, Love. That takes mental and prayerful work. It was and is James’ life.
I write this tribute in present tense because I find great comfort in the idea from Christian Science that each of us is a unique and ongoing reflection of divine Life, God, that never stops.
The hard part is feeling separated from each other. So, though I and we can no longer see James in the flesh, we can see who he really is: his wit, playfulness, sincerity, faith, childlikeness, innocence, maturity, intelligence, trust, goodness, selflessness, and so many more ways, that make up his unique, permanent, and recognizable spiritual identity. We can join with him in his life purpose. He’s moving forward in living that purpose, expressing more of divine Life, Love, and Spirit. So can we.
The Love, Life, and Spirit that are God unite us all. I’m certain that if we keep turning to God, we’ll find comfort, joy, and togetherness.
“Where God is we can meet, and where God is we can never part.” — Mary Baker Eddy
Thank you, God, for James.
