My beloved husband let go one year ago, January 5, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. I honored his last wishes today, one year later. He asked me to scatter his ashes upon the Caribbean Sea off the west coast of Puerto Rico because he said it “was the only ocean I can swim in.”

Instead of using a boat, I had to change plans due to a covid-caused complication. I was okay with that, and actually, I thought…

…it was a better decision. First — to honor his wishes on the one-year date since he died. Second — I could directly do this myself, and float with him; for a little while, we were together again.

Today we gathered on the beach at Boquerón, which is our favorite beach. My husband enjoyed it in 1995 and again in 2020. With his trust placed on my arms, I held him gently as he floated. I loved holding him, and he enjoyed a relaxing sensation. His smile said it all, and I will always remember how happy he was having me hold him while floating on Mar Caribe.

Close friends from both Puerto Rico and stateside joined me on the beach at 10am, keeping safely distant.

One friend went into the water with me. I walked way out (low shelf), yet the water is crystal clear. I could see the white sand bottom, just like my husband liked it (so he could see that there were no sea creatures that might snap at our legs.)

My friend held the bag of ashes, and I took a handful at a time.

Fly, my love, fly; over, on, in, and out to sea. Float again in peace, my love. I am truly at peace with you always in my heart.

Note: the ashes did not float on top of the water. They drifted in a current in a gentle ebb tide out to sea.

Life is short: honor your love — a love of all time.