After 50 years of marriage, I filed for divorce and her letter broke my heart.

My anger over coffee dissolved into a weight so heavy that I could no longer breathe.

I never got to say goodbye.

Later that night, my daughter took me to the hospital to collect her things. Your watch. Your wallet. And, carefully folded in an envelope with my name on it… A handwritten letter.

I know I've never been good at listening. I tried to take the lead when I should have just stayed. But loving you was the one thing I never questioned. Even after signing the papers, you were still my wife in my heart. I hope that one day you'll forgive me. I've already forgiven myself for letting you go, because seeing you free meant more than keeping you.

I slumped into the chair in the hallway and cried like a woman half my age.

I wanted freedom.