50 Valentines

Oh, my dear bride; how the years have unfolded before our eyes. Remember way back then when we stood at the Buckingham Fountain? Or took breathtaking moon-light views of the skyline from the Planetarium? Or went for a drive through the windy city and later enjoyed a picnic in the park? Those were the days my love, those early days when like lightning, I was first struck by your love, and you set a flame in this heart of mine that until now, still burns. For 50 years now, in good and bad times, we have been there for and with each other. No, I don't remember our first valentine in 1971 when I first learned that you were the one. No, I don't remember if I bought you a dozen roses or took you out to dine at a nice restaurant. Yes, my dear, it's been 50 years, and I am certain that I must have asked you in the winter of 1971 to be my valentine. Yes, for these 50 years, in haste I say, that I have looked upon your beautiful face, felt the warmth of your embrace, and realized that it has been pure and undeserved grace. Why, I'm certain your reply to 'being my valentine' was, "Yes". And away we went until yet again I asked for your hand in marriage, and you said, "Yes I will". Oh, my dear bride, 16 months later in a college town, we both stood together there in the sanctuary of God and said, "I do" in June of 1972,and until now, you are still my valentine. 020321PSCtest, ALL YOURS (Feb 14)', Brian Strand