Rose

Red roses were herfavorites, 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 herdoor. The card said, "Be my Valentine", like all the years before. Eachyear he sent her roses, and the note would always say, "I love you evenmore this year, than last year on this day. My love for you will alwaysgrow, with every passing year." She knew this was the last time that theroses would appear. She thought, he ordered roses in advance before thisday. Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away.

Healways liked to do things early, way before the time. Then, if he got toobusy, everything would work out fine. She trimmed the stems, and placedthem in a very special vase. Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of hissmiling 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 Valentinesbefore, The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door. Shebrought the roses in, and then just looked at them in shock. Then, went toget the telephone, to call the florist shop. The owner answered, and sheasked him, if he would explain, Why would someone do this to her, causingher such pain?

"I know your husband passed away, more than a yearago," The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know. Theflowers you received today, were paid for in advance. Your husband alwaysplanned ahead, he left nothing to chance. There is a standing order, thatI have on file down here,

And he has paid, well in advance, you'llget them every year. There also is another thing, that I think you shouldknow, He wrote a special little card…he did this years ago. Then, shouldever I find out that he's no longer here, That's the card…that should besent, to you the following year."

She thanked him and hung up thephone, her tears now flowing hard. Her fingers shaking, as she slowlyreached to get the card. Inside the card, she saw that he had written hera 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 ithasn't been too hard for you to overcome. I know it must be lonely, andthe pain is very real. For if it was the other way, I know how I wouldfeel. The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life. I loved youmore than words can say, you were the perfect wife. You were my friend andlover, you fulfilled my every need. I know it's only been a year, butplease try not to grieve. I want you to be happy, even when you shed yourtears. That is why the roses will be sent to you for years. When you getthese roses, think of all the happiness, That we had together, and howboth of us were blessed. I have always loved you and I know always will.But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still. Please…try tofind happiness, while living out your days. I know it is not easy, but Ihope you find some ways. The roses will come every year, and they willonly 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 hislast 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 onceagain.

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend; Someone whochanges your life just by being part of it. Someone who makes you laughuntil you can't stop; Someone who makes you believe that there really isgood in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is anunlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is Forever Friendship.This is the sacred RED ROSE.

via eMail, 19 February2000