May 5, 1988
"Happy Birthday, Jack." Irene hugged her man tightly. "Ninety-four years and still counting."
"I finally feel it, Irene," Jack said. "Where have the years gone?" Jack was not as healthy as he wished he were. He had deteriorated until he now had to use a wheelchair to get around. Jack had been blessed in his old age in one way; he had lost very little hair. His long hair was now down loose, cascading past his shoulders. All his life, he had refused to cut it short.
"Straight to our memories," Irene replied. "We have had a wonderful life together, raised four great kids, spoiling eight grandkids, and now enjoying our twilight years together."
"So, I ended up having that normal life I never had as a kid," Jack surmised. "The world has changed. We went from horses to horsepower."
"That we did," Irene smiled. Irene leaned on her husband. She was so happy for the years they had enjoyed together. She was so thankful that her father had sent her on that errand. She visited his grave at Beecher's Hope every day to thank him.
"I have enjoyed our life together, baby," Jack said as he put his own arms around Irene. "I don't think I could have made it to this age without you. You brought me back to life."
"No, I just removed the life support," Irene replied.
Jack closed his eyes. Oh, the memories he and Irene had built together. Like Irene, he was so happy that Landon had sent her into his direction. He had loved Irene since the day she rode onto Beecher's Hope.
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