Rose's Roses

Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.
And every year her husband sent them, tied in pretty bows.

The year he died, the roses were still 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 again appear.

She thought he had ordered them, 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.
So that 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, with the roses sitting there.

A year went by, 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, she found roses sitting by her door.
She brought the roses in, just looked at them in shock.
Then went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop.
The owner answered, she asked him if he would explain.
Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away, just about a year ago,
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.
Since he'd paid well in advance, so 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.
Should ever I find he's no longer here.
That's the card to send you the following year."

She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard.
Her fingers were shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card.
Inside the card she saw, that he had written her a note.
She read it in total silence, this is what he wrote...

"Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've gone,
I hope it hasn't been too hard, for you to get along.
I know you 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's why the roses will still be sent to you, for many many years.
When you get these roses, please 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.
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 will find the ways.
The roses will come every year, and they will only stop,
when your door is 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.
He'll take the roses to the place, where I've instructed then.
And place the roses where we are, together once again."