The Next Chapter

The old man wheeled his wheelchair out onto the front porch. His face was decorated by wrinkles, which hinted at a lifetime of emotions. This man was one who had lived a plethora of ups and downs; he’s crawled out from many valleys and reached the pikes of many mountains. He’s fallen in love and he’s known the pain of watching that love pass away.

He stared out at the rising sun. Its shining beams had just begun to peek out from the horizon. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He held it for a few brief seconds before exhaling slowly. 

His eyes moistened with tears that never fell. He savored the feeling that was living to see the next day. It was a beauty no mere words could ever describe. He chuckled a little sadly, “You always did love sunrises, Martha,” He glanced up at the light orange sky; he knew his beloved wife was up there.

 “You are saving me a spot right?” He asked, then laughed again. “Who am I kidding? You are just waitin’ for me. I’ll make sure to track some mud in when I come, then you can yell at me to mop it up, just like old times…’cept we will have an eternity to do it all my love.”

This elderly man was truly ready for whatever came next in his life. If there was another chapter so be it, but if the epilogue came then he would spend it dancing with his wife up in the stars. He had promised her he would before she passed. 

Without saying a word a 2-year-old girl walked out onto the front porch. She toddled up to her grandpapa and held her arms up expectantly. The grandfather smiled and picked up the child. He held her in his lap protectively, knowing that this little wisp of a child was the world’s future. He had lived his life to the fullest, now it was time for him to let the new generation take charge of this beautiful earth.