Letter to a loved one.

Dearest Paul,

You soared through the skies on metal wings, defying gravity and facing Death at the speed of sound. Low over the battlefield, you became a thunderous force wrapped in a flying cannon, while high above us, you carried soldiers into the heart of war. The medals on your chest shone with the light of countless acts of courage, each one a silent testament to your service. To the faceless soldiers below—myself among them—you were an unsung hero whose bravery shaped destinies. While your courage in battle inspired many, it was your quiet strength off the battlefield that changed my life forever.

Your greatest act of heroism was not in the skies, but in saving me from myself. You dared to love the broken, drunken, and bitter young man who had lost his way—a homeless veteran fallen through the cracks of society. First, you offered me a simple job; then, a dry place to rest my weary head. Finally, as I revealed my deepest secret, trembling with fear that you would turn me away, you chose to love the woman hidden within my soul.

You held me as the nightmares of death and destruction haunted my sleep. You held me as I cried for fallen brothers. You were there when we brought our daughters home from the hospital. You stood beside me as I learned to be a first a woman, and then a mother. On nights when memories of war left me trembling, your gentle voice and steady embrace anchored me back to hope. I recall a night when shadows from the past threatened to consume me—my hands shook, tears blurred my vision, and my breath came in ragged bursts. But you sat with me in the darkness, wrapping me in your warmth. The calm in your eyes and the softness of your touch made the nightmares recede, replaced with the steady beat of your heart and the promised hope that comes with a new dawn.

Over time, you showed me not only that I was a worthy human, but that I was worthy of love. You held me as the echoes of death and destruction haunted my sleep and comforted me as I wept for fallen brothers. You were by my side when we brought our daughters home from the hospital, and you stood beside me as I learned to fly on my own wings—first as a woman, then as a mother.

Once again, I find myself confronted by a challenge I cannot comprehend or prepare for. You have gone on to your Heavenly Reward, leaving me alone once more. The absence hangs heavy, and already the house feels far too quiet. I miss the familiar sounds and smells that assured me you were nearby: the steady drip, drip, drip of brewing coffee, the buzz of your alarm clock early in the morning, the gentle wafting of your pipe smoke, and the soft grunt of pain from old wounds as you put on your heavy boots before heading out to walk the dog.

As much as it pains me I must continue on without you as you would not want me to give up. How I am supposed to do that I do not know, but I know that you’ll be guiding me as I do. When I finally lay my head down for the last time I know that you’ll be there waiting for me. Until then my love I will live my life the way you showed me. Always walking the path of honor and integrity while never giving into my anger without reason. Showing love to our daughters, friendship and a helping hand to strangers in need. Until we meet again my Dearest Paul. I will always love you and hold your memory in my heart.

Love,
Jessie

This short story is in memory of my Husband Paul E. Hackney, October 30, 1954 – February 2, 2026. My he rest in peace.