Dear Readers,
You may remember me as Jesse's ex-wife, Leslie from some early chapters. I found this diary in Jesse's stuff, and felt I should complete the final chapter. I don't have a lot to say, but I think it's important to put a close on what he started so many years ago.
First, I saw that Jesse ended his story when he became a diabetic. I have to say that yes, it was hard to read all those chapters. I never knew what he went through in his life. Anyway, Jesse did get everything under control. Getting that disease, as horrible as it was, and still is, was probably a good thing. Mark was able to get him to lose all the weight and he kept his health for many years.
I think Jesse probably stopped writing this journal because once he got things under control, he really became active in a lot of things. He was still a great dad to my kids, and a good friend to many. He and Mark started their own business for awhile, and even helped my younger son start a ranch by investing in it. Mark and Jesse had a civil ceremony in Hawaii and remained faithful and loving partners for the rest of their lives. I think that is why his story probably stopped where it did...because it is where he probably felt his real life began. Gone was the anxious Jesse, and out came the adventurous man inside.
Yes, it has been a long time, and Jesse died at the tender age of 75 two weeks ago. Of course, I forgave Jesse once I got over what had happened, and my second husband and I became very close to both Mark and Jesse. They were among the best of our friends, and were actually considered part of our family. After my husband passed away from a heart attack five years ago, and Mark had passed away in his sleep two years after that, Jesse moved in with me, and we lived with my younger son and his family on the ranch. Although we never became lovers again, it was almost like we were married and we spent a lot of time just enjoying each other's company. It was hard to let him go again, but I don't regret a single day we spent together.
And so, dear readers, I close Jesse's story by letting you know that everything turned out wonderfully for a great and loving man. Every time I see a sunset, I will think of him and those evenings we sat on the porch and just talked for hours. Take care of yourselves, and make your lives your own, for it is yours for the living!
With love and affection, and on behalf of Jesse, Leslie
Thanks again for all who have read and enjoyed this. I never dreamt I'd write something like this. But, by the same token, I just don't have any story left in me as far as this "epic" goes. I just wanted to give it closure. Hard to believe it's been 4.5 years since I've contributed to it. I had to keep this chapter fairly simple since I don't recall half of my characters anymore! LOL
Good luck to you all, and take care of yourselves!
P.S. I really did get diagnosed with diabetes in January 2007, and just from diet and exercise and getting my weight down, my readings have still been normal ever since that very first time the A1C was high. I even overcame sleep apnea. Please take care of your bodies...it's the only one we get!
Jeff