I Knew It Was Bound To Happen

I walked into the barn the other morning and saw Jester out grazing by himself.  And it was quiet.  Nothing but chickens rustling through the straw, sheep chewing cud and birds singing.  I stopped.  You know it's going to happen and you think you are ready for it and for goodness sake, she's in such bad shape it's got to be a blessing...but still.  The quiet was deafening.

I've listened to Elizabeth yell at me for more than 11 years.  That's a lot of yelling.  She's spent the last year living in the retirement community continuing to yell at me but specifically yelling at Jester for various "crimes".  He agrees that's a lot of yelling, but he's taken it well, just sighing and doing whatever she's demanded.  I guess some marriages are just like that.

After a minute or so I walked out the back door, ready to face things, so glad that for once I didn't have to make a hard decision.

And she was just sound asleep!  Jester had snuck out and was enjoying a bit of peace and quiet...for once.

"Okay, I can see you."

"But I'm still gonna yell at you!"

"I know..."

Elizabeth and Jester were several years old when we got them.  We guess they have probably been together for at least 15 years.  And I will miss the yelling.  Eventually.