We Sorrow For Wife And Friend

Abubakar Lincoln

9503 Village Drive

Washington, DC 20001

Dear Abubakar,

I apologize for not writing sooner. I might not have written at all except that I left myself a reminder note. The note said “Abubakar letter.” Abubakar letter? I thought, 'Who is Abubakar? This note makes no sense. My addled brain is cooking up crap.' Then I remembered. You are Abubakar, the husband of Chinwendu. Chinwendu always called you Baby Cakes. You told us - your friends - to call you BC. What my addled brain was actually doing was resisting the memory that two weeks ago, we buried Chinwendu in her wedding dress.

Earlier this year, Chinwendu came to visit. We shared tea and pie and conversation. I wanted to write and thank you for being willing to share with me such a beautiful person. Time spent with Chinwendu is a wonderfully rejuvenating and comforting experience. Chinwendu is an unconditional love pollinator. Any space she occupies is graced by both her physical and spiritual beauty. You are a fortunate husband. I am a fortunate friend.

You see, I am still speaking of her in the first person. Because I can still see her here sitting with me in front of the fireplace, complimenting the store-bought key lime pie, sipping tea, telling funny stories about the children and sharing with me how much she loved you.

I sincerely thank you again for your willingness to share her with me every once in a while.