January 13, 1979 I think of them both tonight -- their lives entwined about their wives. I love them both so much it seems I am the only one in their dreams. Ted says he loves me but you see he goes home to Linda not with me. But, the precious moments spent with me makes my spirit so happy and free. The love we share can't be denied even though my emptiness is so hard to hide. When we go our separate ways, I wish so much, so much to stay. Dennis, too, is in my heart but he and Rose are not far apart. He shares his life with others too, and seeing him sometimes makes me blue. I try to hide this love I feel but Dennis knows I'm very real. Ernie and I are worlds apart -- my husband, once lover and sweetheart. Our friendship is but a fading light of what once seemed so beautiful and bright. I search for someone to be kind, caring, sharing and ALL mine! I ache inside because my hurt carries me beyond this earth. It seems I'm destined to be alone without a man to call my own. The single life that lays ahead holds nothing for me -- only dread. I need so much to be a part of someone's life and someone's heart. Very soon these lonely days will seem little more than a cloud of haze and I'll soon forget these nights -- so lone -- without someone to cheer me on. Yes, that perfect peace will be, coming on to set me free. Free from burdens hard to bear. Free my sorrow, shame, despair. Someday my body, mind and soul will lead me beyond this hollow hole and I will be bound together so tight with that special one so right. Kathleen A. Hatley
— Copyright 1965-2008 by Dennis Gallagher —