The Story of Henry James Wallace

Tonight I stand in old Fernandina with a heart that’s near cold and brush through fond memories of the time I spent with you. Our first night together was here, sitting on the porch of the Walnford Inn. I remember how the moonlight caught your eyes, how they sparkled and the sweet smell of your hair. I remember how enchanted I was with you. I remember, I remember thinking the evening could never end.

Two short years later I spent my first night with you here in the Walnford. Our first night together, our first night as husband and wife was so unforgettable. Your beauty and passion was so delightful and refreshing. Your honest virtue and demure smile was so comforting. Your sweet voice and gentle touch was so unbelievably soothing that I prayed the night would consume us and we would stay that way forever.

Forever would not have been long enough had our love sustained, as it was that night. With the cruelty that is life our love wavered and eventually waned away. No fate could have been more painful for me than to see your eyes turn away. Yes, I cried the night I realized you had lost your love for me. I prayed for a miracle, but knew there would be none. I knew it was time to set you free.

From that day I’ve walked along on the busy streets of the city. I’ve traveled, been very successful in business and known many very special friends. I’ve had the home of our dreams built at that special place on the river, the spot where I proposed to you. The spot where we laid for hours talking about what we would like our life together to be. Now I live there alone and dream of you.

Tonight I’ve returned to old Fernandina for the first time since we were here last. Tonight I’ll stay at the Walnford, walk its’ porches and again dream of my time there with you. I’ll climb those old stairs to the master suite and sleep a restless sleep thinking of that first night. Oh, my heart will have one last cry and my thoughts will again turn to a prayer for a miracle, but again there will be none.

From that point on and forever more I’ll never again look back at what once was. I’ll purge my mind of all thoughts of you and start my life anew. After forty-one years of clinging to a memory it’s time I make peace with myself and move on, while there is still time to search for peace without the thoughts of you. I’ll have no more sleepless night listening for your voice. There will be no more glances into the crowds in search of your face. There will be no more prayers to go unanswered.

Tomorrow I’ll stand on the porch of the Walnford Inn and think of you for a last time. When I walk down Seventh Street to old Fernandina I’ll hold your hand it’s last. When the shopkeepers ask if I need anything, I’ll not answer. I’ll walk that walk in silence with you. Finally, before my departure from the Walnford, I’ll pray that you are well and that I never have a thought of you again.

How I would love to see you there.