THE ROSES

Red roses were her favorites,
her name was also Rose.

And every year her husband sent them, tied
with pretty bows.

The year he died, the roses were delivered to
her door.

The card said, "Be my Valentine",
like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses,
and the note would always say,

"I love you even more this year,
than last year on this day.

My love for you will always grow,
with every passing year."

She knew this was the last time
that the roses would appear.

She thought, he ordered roses
in advance before this day.

Her loving husband did not know,
that he would pass away.

He always liked to do things early,
way before the time.

Then, if he got too busy,
everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems, and placed
them in a very special vase.

Then, sat the vase beside the
portrait of his smiling face.

She would sit for hours, in her husband's
favorite chair.

While staring at his picture, and
the roses sitting there.

A year went by, and it was hard
to live without her mate.

With loneliness and solitude, that
had become her fate.

Then, the very hour, as on
Valentines before,
The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting
by her door.

She brought the roses in, and then
just looked at them in shock.

Then, went to get the telephone,
to call the florist shop.

The owner answered, and she asked
him, if he would explain,

Why would someone do this to her, causing
her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away,
more than a year ago,"

The owner said, "I knew you'd call,
and you would want to know.

The flowers you received today,
were paid for in advance.

Your husband always planned ahead,
he left nothing to chance.

There is a standing order, that
I have on file down here,

And he has paid, well in advance, you'll get
them every year.

There also is another thing, that
I think you should know,

He wrote a special little card...
he did this years ago.

Then, should ever I find out that
he's no longer here,

That's the card...that should be
sent, to you the following year."

She thanked him and hung up the
phone, her tears now flowing hard.

Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached
to get the card.

Inside the card, she saw that he
had written her a note.

Then, as she stared in total
silence, this is what he wrote....

"Hello my love, I know it's been
a year since I've been gone ~

I hope it hasn't been too hard for
you to overcome.

I know it must be lonely, and the
pain is very real.

For if it was the other way, I know
how I would feel.

The love we shared made everything
so beautiful in life.

I loved you more than words can say, you
were the perfect wife.

You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled
my every need.

I know it's only been a year, but please try
not to grieve.

I want you to be happy, even when
you shed your tears.

That is why the roses will be sent
to you for years.

When you get these roses, think of
all the happiness,

That we had together, and how both
of us were blessed.

I have always loved you and I know
I always will.

But, my love, you must go on, you
have some living still.

Please...try to find happiness,
while living out your days.

I know it is not easy, but I hope
you find some ways.

The roses will come every year,
and they will only stop,

When your door's not answered, when
the florist stops to knock.

He will come five times that day,
in case you have gone out.

But after his last visit, he will
know without a doubt,

To take the roses to the place,
where I've instructed him,

And place the roses where we are,
together once again.

Authur Unknown

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