By Unknown
Date: 10 February 1999

Roses for Rose

 Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.
And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty
bows.
The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.
The card said, "Be my Valentine," like all the years
before.
Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always
say,
"I love you even more this year, than last year on this
day."
"My love for you will always grow, with every passing
year."
She knew this was the last time that the roses would
appear.
She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this
day.
Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass
away.
He always liked to do things early, way before the time.
Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out
fine.
She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special
vase.
Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling
face.
She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite
chair.
While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting
there.
A year went by, and it was hard to live without her
mate.
With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate.
Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before,
The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her
door.
She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them
in shock.
Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist
shop.
The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would
explain,
Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?
"I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago,"
The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want
to know."
"The flowers you received today, were paid for in
advance."
"Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to
chance."
"There is a standing order, that I have on file down
here,
And he has paid, well in advance, you'll get them every
year.
There also is another thing, that I think you should
know,
He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago."
"Then, should ever, I find out that he's no longer here,
That's the card...that should be sent, to you the
following year."
She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now
flowing hard.
Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the
card.
Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note.
Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he
 wrote...
"Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've been
gone,
I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome."
"I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real.
For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.
 The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.
 I loved you more than words can say, you were the
perfect wife."
"You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every
 need.
I know it's only been a year, but please try not to
 grieve.
 I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.
That is why the roses will be sent to you for years."
"When you get these roses, think of all the happiness,
That we had together, and how both of us were blessed.
I have always loved you and I know I always will.
But, my love, you must go on, you have some living
still."
"Please...try to find happiness, while living out your
days.
I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways.
The roses will come every year, and they will only stop,
When your door's not answered, when the florist stops to
knock."
"He will come five times that day, in case you have gone
out.
But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt,
To take the roses to the place, where I've instructed
him,
And place the roses where we are, together once again."