Get the tissue ready......
I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.
He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.
He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.
Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.
Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.
Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.
She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'
I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.
'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'
She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away
I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.
I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.
As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision
I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.
Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.
on 5/8/09 5:21 am
I hope I can type through the tears. My husband always bought me a dozen red roses for my birthday, for Valentine, for Mother's Day and any other special day that came around. The first year after he passed away, my birthday was creeping up and I thought about Wesley and the roses. My heart was heavy when I came to work and I remember looking up everytime someone came in the door. Subconsciously I was waiting for my roses. About 3:00 in the afternoon, the front door opened and I heard the receptionist steer someone back to my office. Here comes a man with a dozen red roses. Tears rolled down my face as I read the card. My beautiful 16 year old daughter remembered and took her daddy's place. I knew that Wesley was smiling so how could I keep from smiling as well. She kept this up for several years and I will never forget the thoughtfulness she showed to me.
I guess I went from one extreme to the other because poor old Leo NEVER sends flowers!! haha I am lucky if he even remembers to say Happy Birthday. But you know what??? He shows me his love in dozens of different ways and that makes up for the lack of flowers.
Thank you for sharing!!
DebbieDoo
Jimmy never sends me flowers either. We have so many needs that it seems there is never enough money to splurge for flowers. That is okay though. You know it was the thought that you loved even more than the roses. My boys usually send me flowers on special occasions. I am really surprised I have not had a delivery today.
Have a great weekend and know I love you.
