Tiny green cotton plants are shining in the morning sun down the long rows as I look from my bedroom window. The master of the farm with hands in pockets walking toward the barn, deep in thought, mind on plans for the days work. He loves the farm, he is proud of the cotton fields of straight rows – plants up and growing. A feeling of thankfulness overcomes me as I see a new day before me. This was written in my day book on a morning in May.

The day of May 26 started off very much the same as I had promised myself to write each day on my thoughts as I looked from my bedroom window which opens into a yard tended with loving care- a white fence and cotton fields. Busy with the days chores I had no reason to believe this day would be any different. I fixed lunch and as my husband finished eating he complained of indigestion – nothing unusual as he had a nervous stomach. He asked me to get the workers back to the fields, which I did. Then I returned to the house and got him some medicine to relieve his discomfort. He lay down on the bed and tried to get some relief. He belched several times and seemed to be more comfortable. I left the room to wash dishes. Then gave him another look and since he seemed to be resting I did not disturb but sat down to read the paper. Then I heard a strange noise – realizing that it was coming from our bedroom, I got up to look in on him. When I did I realized that he was gasping for breath and that something terrible was wrong. I had presence of mind to call the ambulance and ran to the house next door for my sister-in-law. We started breathing into his mouth. After what seemed like an eternity the ambulance came. As the attendant felt for his heartbeat I knew he was gone. One moment vibrant and so full of life and the next minute gone.

How do you face the reality of a situation like that? A part of me had just died. For thirty years we had shared our lives. We had a good marriage. The thought kept coming to be thankful – be thankful for the wonderful years you had together; be thankful for the home you established; be thankful that God brought you together 30 years ago; be thankful that he was able to live such a fruitful life – rising from sharecropper to a successful planter – a man whose word was his bond; a leader among men.