Missing You

"Kathleen! Are you ready?" George asks as makes his way downstairs, fixing his tie. Today George and Kathleen are supposed to be going to visit Grace and talk about her experience in college.

"Just a second honey," Kathleen answers as she turns to George and smiles. He smiles back at her and kisses her on the cheek.

"I'm gonna get the car warmed up. Just tell me when you're ready." And with that he walks out the door.

Kathleen sighs as she looks over at the paper in her hand. She thinks she's moved on. But every year Marshall's birthday comes around she realizes the exact opposite. Even after her marriage with George, she still remembers. It's like a headache that she can't get rid of, or a memory on constant replay. And she can't help but feel a little down when she thinks of his death. And sometimes she just sits and thinks about it. And she tries to understand why God would take away her husband, but then she remembers the big picture, that only God can fully understand.

She continues to scribble more words onto the paper. Every year she writes him a letter, and it almost makes her feel better, for a few minutes she feels at peace, and then it's back to beautiful memories of a husband who she thought loved her more than anything in the world.

Dear Marshall,

Happy Birthday honey! I wonder what you're doing up there after all of these years. Is Heaven fun? Is it just like you imagined? I choose to believe that you went to Heaven. Even after you cheated on me...I of all people know that cheating on someone doesn't mean that you're doomed for Hell. You were saved even when you made that sin, and because of that I know in my heart that God has forgiven you just as I have, if not even more than I have...I know I should be moving on. I'm trying to. I've married George and I feel happy about that. Although I know I shouldn't have re-married as many times as I did. I was conflicted. I felt lost, and I thought that if I married someone else, that would feel the emptiness. I should have known God was there all along, and maybe if I would have realized that Grace wouldn't have gone down the same path as me.

But she's been doing really well now. She's gone to college, she hasn't even mentioned any boys. She's been very focused on her school work as well as her faith in God. I'm sure you're busy up there. I wonder if the angels are singing you happy birthday right now. Or do you have a birthday in Heaven? Ha ha, sorry just trying to add light to the situation. I just wanted to write this little letter to you, to remind you of how much I loved you, and still do. I will never forget you Marshall. God sent me a blessing when he sent you. I just wish...He hadn't taken you away so soon. But I guess everyone has to leave this Earth eventually. Say hi to Mary and Joseph for me, oh and of course Jesus. I love you.

Love, Kathleen

There's that feeling of peace that warms her heart again, and for a second she smiles. And then someone opens the door and she sees George standing there with an anxious face.

"Honey are you coming? I don't want to be late for our lunch with her."

There's that plastic smile on Kathleen's face again as she walks over to George, kisses him, and tells him that she's ready to go. George never remembers Marshall's birthday, she doesn't expect him to, and she doesn't know if she really wants him to. She wants Marshall's birthday to just be between her and Marshall. As they walk out the door Kathleen throws her thoughts of Marshall away once more and focuses on seeing her daughter, and being with George.

A/N: Just a little one-shot that I thought of. For those of you who read Misconception. I'll probably update the last chapter today & I'll TRY to update Broken too. I just don't want to rush anything because I know it won't come out as well.