FOREVER  FRIEND

     Red roses were her favorites, her name was 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 is a very special vase.
     Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face.  She would sit
     for hours, in her husbands 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 day 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 then 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, she stared in total
     silence, this is what he wrote.......

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     "Hello My Love, I know it's been a year since I've been gone,
     I hope it hadn'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 love you more than words can ever say, you were the perfect wife.
     You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need,
     I know it's 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'll find some ways.
     The roses will come every year, and they will only stop,
     When your doors 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.
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