(The mid-2000s)
Lorraine had always hoped that she and Ed would pass away together, that neither of them would have to spend a day on this earth without each other. But while God had granted them many happy years together, it was Ed that He called first.
Lorraine had a hard time accepting Ed was dying. When she finally come to terms with the matter, it didn't make saying goodbye any easier. Even when he was no longer conscious, when the breathing apparatus was one of the few things keeping him alive, she refused to leave his side.
Sleep was hard to come by in the hospital room, but the rhythmic beeping from Ed's heart monitor must have lulled Lorraine to sleep at one point, for one moment she was sitting by Ed's bedside, the next she was in a white room.
"Lorraine?" She turned around and found herself face to face with Ed. She knew it wasn't a dream- she could feel it in her bones. It had been years since Lorraine had a vision, but whatever she was having now was connecting her to Ed's consciousness.
"Ed!" She rushed over and embraced him, the two appearing as they had in their forties. "I've missed you so much,"
"I've missed you too," he said, holding onto her as tightly as he could. "I just had to see you one last time,"
Lorraine leaned back so she could see his face. "Is it…?"
"Yes," Ed said, his eyes shining with tears. "Tonight's the night,"
Lorraine couldn't repress a sob from escaping her lips. "I don't know how I'll do this without you,"
"This isn't goodbye," Ed reminded her as he cupped her face in his hands. "We'll be together again in heaven. But until that time, you have so much life left to live,"
"But you ARE my life,"
"There's so much more you can still do," Ed said. "Continue telling the world about what we've seen and what we've accomplished. Help them to see God's love for His people,"
Somewhere far away Lorraine heard Ed's heart monitor begin to slow. A knowing look came across their eyes as they realized in a few seconds Ed would go to his eternal home.
Holding out his hand, Ed asked "One last dance?" Lorraine nodded as she took it. Together they swayed, cherishing each other as the beeps began to slow.
"I love you Lorraine,"
With the final beep, Lorraine replied "I love you Ed,"