The Most Beautiful Sound I Ever Heard
Two years ago today I sadly kissed, tearfully embraced and said goodbye forever to the most beautiful sound I ever heard.
MARIA.
The love of my life. My soulmate. My wife of almost 39-years. And, the mother of my two daughters.
I became who I am because of her, and only her. She was UNIQUE.
We were a great couple, a great team. We were lovable like Harry and Sally. Likable like Ricky and Lucy. And, laughable like Fred and Wilma.
We fell in love here in Italy, thousands of miles away from where my life began in the American Midwest, and we remained as close as two people possibly can until the very, very end. She was the best gal a guy could ever have.
Without her, I’ve had to walk an entirely new road alone. Along the way I’ve had to negotiate the occasional bump, pothole and crack known as heartache, loneliness and despair — the inevitable hurdles one must overcome when the dearly departed take their leave.
Thankfully, I’m beginning to stroll along the sunny side of the street again as I distance myself from that dark cloud that engulfed me while I came to grips with the emptiness that took her place.
Unique in every way, she was, and will always remain, the most beautiful sound I ever heard.
MARIA.
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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So glad the sun’s beginning to shine again
Thanks so much.
A stunning tribute to your sweetheart, Tom, and to your marriage; wish I had known Maria . . . and had the opportunity to soak up her sunshine! Today sounds like a day to laugh a little, cry a little, call your daughters, look at old photos, kick back and cherish the memories, maybe as you’re fixing something wonderful in the kitchen!
Sending all best, and congratulations, for the ways you have begun, and so successfully, the next chapters of your life. Auguri, auguri. Lucy
Thanks so very, very much, Professoressa.
may she continue on beautifully in your kindness and smile.
Thank you.
The hardest thing in life .. having to say goodbye
Yes it is.
Two years. Wow. She was so full of grace. I loved the slide show – her spirit shines through each picture, as does your love for her. <3
Thanks Cathleen.
You have expressed this so beautifully, it brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss, and so glad that you are finding your footing again.
Thanks Naomi.
BEAUTIFUL!!
Thanks Lynn.
Oh, Tom… What gorgeous memories xx
Thanks so much Helen.
Beautifully done Tom. She is clearly still here if only in your heart.
Tina. Many thanks.
what a lovely tribute. lovely photos, even her name is lovely. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thanks very much Tobyo,
Bellissima celebrazione dell’amore della tua vita…
Da lassù, sarà certamente felice di leggerti in questo emozionante post.
Grazie mille Max.
Tom, this was so beautifully written it could only have come from a deep love and respect for Marie. My husband and I have the same type of nourishing love for each other and are at the age where our greatest fear is losing the other. It seems rather ironic that your pain in losing is caused by the fact that you loved each other so much, but it is also the memory of this great love (and your wonderful spirit) that allows you to heal. Treasure those memories and write about them often.
Pat — Thanks so much for your kind words.
That was beautiful Tom. Glad to know you are having some good times and bringing Maria’s memories with you.
Jen – What a pleasant surprise to hear from you. It has been ages. Thanks for commenting. Doing well? I hope you’ll be a frequent visitor to the TPT blog, where the tone is normally upbeat.
How lovely & sad. I am so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to your love.
Thanks Cindy. Appreciate your kind words. Keep up the good work around Patagonia.
Tom this is beautiful. Big hugs to you.
Thanks G-Sue.
Such a wonderful memorial for Maria. She will always be a part of her. Thank you for sharing your great love with us.
Thanks so much Emily.
This is one of the most beautiful and heart-wrenching things I have seen in a while. Thank you for sharing. You have been blessed.
WineGet – Thanks very much.
A loving and lovely tribute. We are all enriched by seeing the joy that you shared.
Merci beaucoup, Holly!
A lovely tribute – you and your Maria are part of the fortunate few to have had such a profound and ever-lasting love.
Thanks very much for your kind reply.
You and your love for each other is an inspiration to couples just starting out in a shared life together. All of us here are very sorry for your loss and are happy to hear that you are finding the light again. I’m sure that is what your Maria would have wanted. Bisous Bailey
Thanks Bailey. It means a lot.
You both were blessed to have each other. This is a beautiful post, full of love and heartache but also very inspiring. You are healing and she will always be a part of you. Thank you for sharing this.
Lynne – Thanks so much for taking the time to read and view this post. Appreciate your kind comment.
Thanks for liking my post on Lift Bridge, and this has led me to discover your very inspirational blog. Sorry about your loss, but you will cherish all those beautiful memories as you move on. I am following your blog, and hope you’ll follow mine too.
Thanks very much, Opalla.
What a beautiful tribute…
Thank you.
What a beautiful story. You were both blessed to have such a wonderful life together. I hope the sun continues to shine on your life.
Thanks very much, Nana.
I can tell you were soulmates. Very hard to say goobye. But you never have to say goodbye to your precious memories!
Thanks very much, Amanda.