I was still mourning my husband when I dialed…

Five months after my husband Ralph’s death, I was still in mourning. We met when I was a single mother with one child, my daughter Nancy and he was a single father with a daughter, Michelle. He was quiet and soft-spoken and I’m the chatty type. We liked each other instantly.

For 23 years we had a good marriage, going to church together, raising our two daughters. He worked in intelligence and had a very demanding career. We looked forward to the day when he’d retire and we’d have more time together. Unfortunately, his retirement didn’t last long. He was diagnosed with advanced gall bladder cancer.

The doctors gave him only six months to live. Thanks to the prayers of our church, family and friends, he lasted two years. In the end though, he was in such pain his death was a release. But oh, how I missed him! And though I’d decided to give away his clothes to people at church who could use them, just the sight of one of his sweaters on a friend would bring tears to my eyes.

If only I could find some comfort in my grief. One afternoon I had to call a friend. I’d jotted her number down on a scrap of paper. Evidently I’d gotten the number wrong because a stranger on the phone answered. I was about to hang up when she said, “Is this Linda? The Linda who was married to Ralph Paules?”

“Yes,” I said. “But how do you know us?” “I recognized your name on my caller ID. I worked with Ralph for a while, as did my dad. Ralph was a wonderful man. I know you must miss him so much.” We spent a few more minutes; precious minutes; talking about my husband. “If you ever need anything,” she added, “you have my number.” Yes, I thought as I hung up and I know who else has your number, the wrong number that turned out just right.