At My Husband’s Funeral, I Opened His Casket to Place a Flower — and Found a Crumpled Note Tucked Under His Hands

My life was split into Before and After.

By the day of the viewing, I felt hollow. I’d cried so hard my skin hurt. My sister Laura had to zip my dress because my hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

The chapel smelled like flowers and coffee.

Soft piano music. People touched my arm like I might crumble if they pressed too hard.

And there he was. Greg.

In the navy suit I’d bought for our last anniversary. Hair smoothed back the way he always did for weddings. Hands folded like he was just resting.

He looked peaceful.

I told myself, This is my last chance to do something for you.

When the line thinned, I walked up with a single red rose.

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