One Word

I always seem to have mixed emotions around this time of year. I love that Valentine’s Day is coming up on February 14th, because it gives me the opportunity to do something romantic for my wife. But February 12th is the day my father passed away and although it was many years ago, I still remember that day like it was yesterday. 

Losing my dad was devastating because he was my rock and my hero. I loved him very much. Fortunately, I did not have to face that situation alone. I had a loving wife who was at my side at the hospital, every day for six months. And when my Dad took his final breath, I was holding his hand…and she was holding mine. I will never forget her support when I needed it most and I hope she knows that she will always have mine.

At this moment in time, as we near Valentine’s Day once again, my wife is the one going through a very difficult situation. Her Mom has mid-stage Alzheimer’s and her Dad also has serious health concerns. Since I remember her support when my Dad was sick, I definitely want to be there for her as well, so I decided to get her a Valentine’s Day card early, on February 1^st. Obviously that’s a very small gesture for sure, but then I got her one on Feb 2^nd, and Feb 3^rd, and Feb 4^th, and Feb 5^th, and so on. She will be receiving a unique and loving Valentine’s Day Card every day for the entire two weeks leading up to February 14^th. I hope it takes her mind off her troubles and brightens her life up just a little.

Going through difficult situations is typically when you find out whether or not your love is real. Tough times can threaten a lot of relationships, but if your love is cemented with respect and admiration, and if you understand that love means giving more than taking, your relationship can be strengthened instead of destroyed. As I write this Monday Message, I remember a letter that I wrote to my wife right after I learned my Dad was terminally ill. It wasn’t a Valentines Letter, but it was a letter celebrating our love. I hesitate to share it, because it is so personal, yet it does seem appropriate for a Valentine’s Message. 

That Letter is below....

One word frees us from all of

the pain and suffering in life.

That word is love.

 ~ Sophocles

     February 7^th, 2001

     Dear Debby,

I NOW KNOW

There is a very difficult situation that lies ahead, that it will be particularly hard on

me and I will need your help, your love, and your utmost patience. I will be strong

for I am a warrior. Whether or not I make it through this situation is not even

a question, because with you, I know I can make it through anything. Although I

do not know exactly what the future holds, I do know that you have always

been there for me, to listen, to talk, to share, and to love with all of your heart,

as I love you with all of mine. We will get through this… together!

MY WISH FOR US IS

That we will continue to share new interests and adventures

And allow each other the freedom to develop as individuals.

That our faith won’t be shaken by occasional feelings of hurt or anger.

That we will continue to acknowledge our differences openly,

And see them as opportunities to learn and grow closer.

That we will find in each disagreement the patience to listen,

The courage to trust, and the strength to forgive.

That we will find in each difficult situation that plaques our lives,

The wisdom to work together and find the right answers.

MAY WE NEVER FORGET

The qualities that first attracted us to each other,

And how much we still appreciate them.

To always inspire each other, applauding successes,

Nurturing strengths, believing in each other’s dreams,

And working as one to make them come true.

MAY WE ALWAYS

Look into each other’s heart and see the love that binds us.

                   Love,

                   Joseph