“Good morning, Jody.”

These last six years, I’ve started every day the same way. As I walk by his photograph
hanging on the living room wall, I let him know I still remember. And I sardonically joke
that while I’m aging, he doesn’t look a day older. Many mornings, I’m certain he’s looking
back with a mocking twinkle in his eyes.

I think what I miss most is the minutiae of our daily life together. What do you want for
breakfast? Should I make dinner tonight or should we go out somewhere? What are we
watching on TV tonight? The friendly banter that filled our days is gone. Now, I just have
to decide everything for myself. Other things, I just let them slide. Like the redecorating
I’ve been thinking about. Jody was the one with an eye for color and design. I guess I’ll
just have to try to choose something in line with the style and colors he chose so many
years ago when we moved in together. I hope he will approve.

Those who knew Jody, know he was an ardent “Trekkie,” a fan of the various
incarnations of the Star Trek franchise. The past few weeks, as the world has been
fascinated by the Artemis II mission, I know Jody would have been glued to the TV
taking in every detail. I like to think he’s been watching from the other side of the stars.
It’s those special moments, when he’s not here to share them, that always lay heavy on my
heart.

Six years. Has it really been that long? I guess so. I continue to move forward day by day.
The only difference is that Jody is in my heart rather than at my side.

The last thing I do every night on my way to bed is to pause by Jody’s photograph on the
wall.

“Good night, Jody. Sleep well.”