Can it really be sixty-two years ago that I first saw you?
It is truly a life time, I know.
But as I gaze into your eyes now, it seems like only yesterday that I first saw you, in that small café in Hanover Square.
From the moment I saw you smile, as you opened the door for that young mother and her newborn baby. I knew.
I knew that I wanted to share the rest of my life with you.
All I could see was you.
All through my life I have relived that very first day.
Many, many times I have sat and thought about that the first day, and how for a few fleeting moments I am there, feeling again what is like to know true love for the very first time.
It pleases me that I can still have those feelings now after all those years, and I know I will always have them to comfort me.
Not even as I shook and trembled uncontrollably in the trenches, did I forget your face.
I would sit huddled into the wet mud, terrified, as the hails of bullets and mortars crashed down around me.
I would clutch my rifle tightly to my heart, and think again of that very first day we met.
But, as I thought of you and saw you smiling back at me, everything around me would become silent, and I would be with you again for a few precious moments, far from the death and destruction.
The photo is old and faded now, but when I look at it, I only see the bright vibrant colors of our youth.
If I concentrate hard enough, I can smell the sweetness of your wedding bouquet as you held it so proudly for everyone to see.
I know both our children love you dearly; they are outside the door now, waiting.
Do you remember how I panicked like a mad man when Jonathon was born?
I can still picture you laughing and smiling at me now, as I clumsily held him for the very first time in my arms.
I watched as your laughter faded into tears, as I stared at him and cried my own tears of joy.
Sarah and Tom arrived this morning with little Tessie.
Can you remember how we both hugged each other tightly when we saw our tiny granddaughter for the first time?
I can’t believe she will be eight next month.
I am trying not to cry, my love, as I tell you how beautiful she looks today in her pretty dress and red shiny shoes, she reminds me so much of you that first day we met.
She has her hair cut short now, just like yours was all those years ago.
When I met her at the door her smile wrapped around me like a warm glove, just like yours used to do, my darling.
I know you are tired, my dear, and I must let you go.
But I love you so much it hurts (me) to do so.
I must go now, my darling.
Our children are waiting outside.
They want to say goodbye to you.
I lean close to you and take hold of your hand and kiss your tender lips for the very last time.
Sleep peacefully my dear.
I am sad that you had to leave me, but please don’t worry.
I am content, knowing I will be with you soon.
I am too old and too empty now to live much longer without you.
I know it won't be long before we meet again in that small café in Hanover Square.
Goodbye, my darling wife.
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