Written for S.M. Heavens Valentine Romance contest |
THROUGH THE YEARS Her aging hands reach for the box, drawing it close, untying the ribbon and lifting the faded colors of the lid. Over fifty years of Valentine's Day cards, lovely, lacey and full of sentiments that bring back so many memories. Through the years, the cards remind her that indeed she was loved, and a smile appears on a weathered face... too thin now that she cooks for only herself; He passed away just before Christmas, there would be no Valentine this year. A truer, deeper love she'd never known, and her memories alone healed the sadness; He had always brought her a rose and card from the first time they met until the very last year they were together, sharing the love and caring for each other. Her eyes fell upon the first card, still unopened, and she knew without looking that somehow he had remembered amd known that he wouldn't be here in February. She opened the envelope, reading the words he had written in early December. "To my beloved wife and companion, through the years you have given me so much; were it not for you I would have been lost and without the promise of years of happiness together. I may not be here next Valentine's Day. So I'm putting this card in your box, to tell you that our love will last forever, and forever is not too long to spend with you; we will join hands again, and walk together once more". It was signed "your husband, your friend". Tears in her eyes, she held the card close to her heart, feeling his presence and looking up, saw him standing before her. She reached for his outstreched hand, saw the welcoming smile, and together they walked into the shades of eternity. Countrymom 2/5/06 |