Jacob

        He fumbled for his keys in his jacket pocket. Brushing past a mint wrapper and a few nickels, he took hold of them. He approached the door to his house after a pleasant stroll through his neighbourhood. Jacob loved to walk, especially in this pleasant weather at the tail end of spring that transitions into summer. He would set out with his favourite cane and traverse the familiar sidewalks. This walk was much the same as the others; he greeted neighbours and stopped to chat with his fellow green-thumb five houses down. He took comfort in the familiar feeling of the oak cane in his hand as it supported his failing hip.
       And now as he endeavoured to make key meet lock, he relied on that cane in this frustrating act. He cursed under his breath at his shaky hands, the target was visible and yet he could not make his hand place the key in the lock. With an exasperated sigh, he steadied his hand and was met with success. He opened the door and set his hat on the table next to the door and put his trusty cane in the closet. He took a moment to take in the house, so many memories in this place; so much love. He smiled and walked into the kitchen and got out the coffee beans. He ground them up and then inhaled. Ahh the pleasant aroma of freshly ground coffee! He put the grounds and water in the coffee maker and turned it on.
       He slowly walked up to the kitchen window. They were bay windows and gave him a grand view. He looked out from his mountain-side view over the city that had been his home for the last 43 years. The sun was beginning to go down and the sky was turning colors. Jacob loved the sunsets with all their glorious yellow and pink and purple hues. He poured himself a cup of coffee and walked out onto the veranda. The air was still warm but was starting to cool and the wind was mild. He sat down in his favourite chair and took in the evening. Melody wasn't home yet from her bridge night with the girls but that was just fine. He liked to take some time and reflect and take in the glories of God's creation.
       He took a sip from his cup and thought about his day. He had seen Jasper today, hadn't seen him in a few years. Glad he's doin' well. Thinking about Jasper reminded Jacob of his son. His eyes moistened with tears at the memory of his departed son. Matthew was going to be 34 this year, too young an age to go and his poor wife. Mandie was strong, but the loss of a spouse is hard for anyone to bear. He brushed that memory aside and thought back to his younger days playing with little Matthew and his sister Jillian. Oh the games they would play! He brushed the tears from his eyes and smiled at the memory of seeing Jillian's first soccer game. She was so proud in her new uniform. Jacob was glad she had married a good man.
      The more he reflected the broader his smile got. He let out a chuckle at the memory of the first time Jillian had brought a boy home, that boy was scared silly! That reminded him of when he first met Melody... Ah what a beauty. It was her eyes that had captivated him. Such a deep blue, so intelligent and so piercing. He was a lucky man to be sure. After all these years their love had only grown. Sure they had their hard times, there was a time or two where they could have called it quits but no, He loved her too much for that. Besides she looked cute when she was riled up.
       He had done well hadn't he? In life. In love. His kids weren't delinquents, he hadn't fooled around. He thought about where life had taken him and, in his limited remaining years, where it take him still. Jacob did not look forward to the end, but in a way he did. He was loath to be parted from his beautiful Melody but at the same time he knew where he was destined to go. A life of faithful service to the Father put aside any doubts he might have had. His eyes welled up again, this time in sadness. He did not despair, he only thought that.. well.. that he would miss her, terribly so.
       There was a jingle at the door, his darling was home. He remained in his chair and started wiping away his tears. She knew he had taken to solitary contemplation and he didn't want her to see him weeping. She called out his name, he loved the way it sounded when she said it. There was love in it. He said he was on the veranda and she came out to him. She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. Hey handsome. He smiled at her and gave her a kiss. She saw his moistened eyes and smiled back. Jacob took in every detail of that moment, the way her hair fell over her face, the wrinkles that formed around her smiling eyes. Her perfume that always tickled his nose. She sat down next to him and together they watched the sun go down.