This past month has been extremely difficult. Our beloved brother-in-law passed away January 4. His death was unexpected after only a 38 hour stay in MD Anderson. Soon after, we lost another family member, a cousin. Another sudden death. In addition to our sorrow, we were unable to attend either funeral. Our daughter refused to let us make the trip to Houston because of my husband, Freemon’s, fragile health.. Since 2005, he’s suffered from CIDP–Chronic Inflammatory Demylenating Polyneuropathy, a progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the arms and legs, often considered the chronic counterpart to Guillain Barre Syndrome. There is no known cure. He has been in and out of the hospital twice since December and is now, thankfully, recovering after receiving a pacemaker January 21. Our latest scare. More than anything else, this past month has taught me how truly fleeting and fragile a life can be.
For readers in my newer markets, this column departs from my usual style; yet, I feel compelled to write it. Yesterday, I went in search of a special Valentine for Freemon. I read verse after verse but came home empty-handed..
We read in the SONG OF SOLOMON, “This is my beloved, and this is my friend…This is my beloved and his desire is toward me.” I guess I was searching for the essence of these weighty words in a Valentine since they depict the way I perceive our marriage to be. After awhile, I gave up and penned my own words you will read here. Please allow me, just this once, to dedicate my column to one specific person, my husband.
TO MY VALENTINE
I searched a hundred corners for your valentine but they were all hearts and flowery phrases I didn’t understand.
None of them said what is in my heart…
None of them said that I am so thankful God allowed you to remain so we can enjoy these golden days together…
None of them said that you were that one, very specific, piece that completed my life’s puzzle…
None of them said that though I am small, with you by my side, I am all that I need ever be…
None of them said that I love you more today than I did the day we repeated our vows…
None of them said that you champion me…encourage me…and that your love and support are steadfast…
None of them said that you smile at my silly little quirks and love me anyway…
None of them said we can withstand any crisis that comes our way because we stand together…
None of them said that the two of us, mixed-up together, gave life to a beautiful daughter we cherish…
None of them said that I am like a flower that blossoms with your every smile and wilts with your every frown…
None of them said that I don’t sleep well when you are not lying beside me…
None of them said that I don’t know where you stop and I begin…
None of them said that this gift I place in your hands today is not chocolate covered candy but my HEART…
Happy Valentine’s Day,
My Love
Brenda Miles is an award-winning columnist and author of two books residing in Hot Springs Village. She welcomes your comments at brenstar@att,net