Dear Love

There have been many valentines since we met the summer of '70 and got married in the summer of '72. I'm sorry that I cannot begin to remember our first one in 1971. I cannot say that I celebrated Valentine with anyone prior to meeting you. I suppose that it means that girls I became interested in became uninteresting by valentine day. Or perhaps it was I or was it they who were hard to hold on to before I met you. Anyway, one thing's for certain is that after meeting you, the pathway and all the doors to my heart for all others were henceforth closed. my restlessness, shallow words, and surface emotions came to a dead-end when I noticed you sitting in a church pew. Since the sight of you, I've been on a one-way street with no detours. And now, for more than 45 years, that one-way street has not allowed for detours onto a side street nor even to take the ramp onto a freeway. Over the years I have observed many road signs on that one-way street. The signs have been well placed along the roadway reminding me of the true meaning of our relationship. With little to no explanation required I have been observing multiple and meaningful words since the day we were married. I have been arrested and captivated by words like, 'Covenant', 'Commitment','Devotion', 'Trust', 'Unity', 'Faithfulness', 'Oneness', 'Forsaking all others', and many others; all of which point me in the direction of you. These words have held deep meaning to me, and may I ever be subservient to them as we celebrate Valentine year after year, and as I enjoy the love of you. I do so easily remember that this flaky heart of mine kept falling in and out of love until I finally met you. Posted 01292018 PS; 2nd contest 02112018, Valentine Day, Cecilia Hopkins-Drewer; First Contest, Sweet Valentine, Nayda Negron