BRIAN PETER BARTEL

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BRIAN PETER BARTEL July 24, 1957 August 27, 2009 Now there's tears on the pillow darling where we slept and you took my heart when you left. Without your sweet kiss my soul is lost, my friend. Now tell me how do I begin again? - Bruce Springsteen August 23, 1997 I held your hand on our first date. August 27, 2009 I held your hand as you drew your last breath. Twelve years and four days. Not nearly long enough. But for us, it was a lifetime. We filled those days with love, with laughter, with adventure, with unbelievable joy, and then with unbearable heartbreak. A year later, I feel as though I am missing a piece of myself, and I am. We were so close we were like two halves of the same person. I am left with questions that I will never have answers for. Did you know your time here would be so brief? Is that why you always moved so fast? How did you stay so strong when I was so afraid? And the question that haunts me every waking hour, Why did you have to go? I would give all I have to be able to hold your hand once more. But I know I will see you again, and then we will never be separated. Until that day comes, thank you for the richest and best twelve years and four days of my life. I love you, I miss you. Rest well, my darling. - Always and forever yours, Kathie.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 28, 2010