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Red Roses
by Dorene Pagan,
1997
Red roses were her
favorite. 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, set
the vase beside the portrait of his 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 just looked at them in shock.
Then went to get the telephone to call the florist's shop.
The owner answered and she asked him if he would please explain, why someone
would do this to her, causing so much pain? "I know your husband passed
away more than a year ago," The owner said, "I knew you'd call and
you'd 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,
so 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 I ever 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 started shaking when she reached to get the card.
Inside the card she saw that he had written a her a note. Then as she stared in
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 could 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 some 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, if 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.
He'll take the roses to the place where I've instructed him. And place the roses
where we are, together once again."
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