THROUGH THE YEARS

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