Chad's Point of View

I spent a total of three years with Sonny. The year before I lost her was the greatest year of my life. She was her normal happy and carefree self. She wasn't stuck in a bed or confined to a wheelchair. I knew she would have to leave me sometime but I didn't expect it so soon. For the final days, I knew my time would come to an end. She didn't seem to mind that she was dying. In fact, she seemed brighter than she was before. She laughed about twenty times a day before her final ones. She never said she was done fighting or if she wanted to quit. She went to cancer hospitals and visited with the kids. Many liked her show and asked her why she had to leave. She always said the same thing, 'I wanted to give a chance to somebody else. I have already lived my dream and now I need to let someone else take a turn.' One kid that had severe leukemia asked her about the bruises on her legs. She went there so often, the kid saw the bruises but never watched them fade.

"I am dying, Alex. I have cancer like you guys but the treatments aren't working. But don't be sad, I will always watch over you." Alex and Sonny would always talk for hours. We found out that his parents couldn't afford to have treatments done, so his church and school raised enough money for him. Alex must have known the last time he saw Sonny. He gave her a simple red rose and a kiss on the cheek.

Four days before she died she collapsed into my arms. I knew my time was almost up with her and I wasn't ready. She stayed at home throughout her entire sickness. But when she got really bad she was confined to a hospital bed. It pained me to not be able to sleep with her. I looked over had her peaceful sleeping face. It seemed like the only time she was peaceful was when she was sleeping. Of course the comforted face soon turned into one of pained.

"Good morning, Beautiful." I smiled at her while placing a cool rag on her forehead. "How are you today?"

"The same." She forced out. I looked down while a tear fell from my cheek. After it was gone, I looked back at her. "Can we go for a walk?" She asked. Normally I would take her for a walk around town. I grabbed the wheelchair and sat it by her bed. I went to help her up, but as soon as she got onto her feet, she collapsed. I gently placed her back on the bed afraid that I just lost her for good. When she opened her eyes again, I sighed with relief.

"I thought I lost you." I said as I held her tight. The next two days went by very uneventful. She slept most of the time and was in pain for the rest. I hated seeing her like this but I didn't want her to go. The next day I saw her gasping for breath. I knew it was time so I simply went over to her and held her hand. "I love you. Always and forever." I kissed her head and watched her through my blurry eyes.

"I love you too. Always and forever." She choked out with her last breath. I smiled and then realized she was gone. I let go of her hand and sat back in the rocking chair. I knew she was gone but apart of me wished she was playing some sort of sick joke.

I dressed in black and went to walk out the door. Every time I go to leave I talk to the pictures of Sonny and me. Today was her funeral and I was determined not to cry. I got into my car and started the engine. I drove quietly to the funeral home and walked in.

"Hi you must be Chad Cooper. Sonny's husband." An older gentleman, who I guessed owned the place, asked. I nodded and tried to keep eye contact. "I'm sorry," he said while gently placing a hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay. She isn't in pain anymore." I smiled knowing that it was true. I knew I wanted her here with me, but looking up at the sky I knew she would always be with me. I knew she would be in my heart and looking over me.

"I love you, Sonny. Always have always will." I looked up at the sky realizing that one day I will see her again.