As I entered womanhood, Mom sat me down and told me that no matter what happened and no matter what I did, I could always come home. Because of what those words meant to me, I said the same thing to my sons.
My childhood was filled with affection—lots of kisses, lots of hugs, lots of spoken I love yous. I never wanted for physical affection, and because of what that affection meant to me, I gave the same thing to my sons.
I grew up in a home where love was openly talked about and warmly expressed. I can still picture myself in my attic bedroom, sitting on my bed and fuming at my parents. They had been mean to me and were totally unreasonable—at least that was my evaluation of the situation. They hadn't understood that I was a teenager and should be allowed certain freedoms. With eyes closed, lips taut and hot tears streaming down my face, I leaned back against the wall and planned how I would get even with them for hurting me. What would be the worst thing I could do to punish them and show how much they had hurt me? It didn't take long to figure it out—I would never kiss them again. That would do it! They'd see then!
That's how important physical expressions of love were in my home. And those physical expressions of love were indicative of the singularly greatest thing I appreciate about my mother. She loved me unconditionally while expecting me to live according to her rules, not mine. From her example, I also learned not to focus on myself or wallow in pity parties.
Both my parents came from broken homes and had difficult childhoods; yet they never dwelt on how dysfunctional their families were. They were both survivors, but not survivors at someone else's expense. In my mother, I saw love's ability to forgive.
I saw my sweet Mom love my real grandfather, even though he had abandoned her and my grandma and failed to provide for their needs. I never saw Mother treat Grandpa Miller any way but lovingly, even though he was far from lovable. I learned how love behaves and forgives because I saw what a woman can do and be if she wants to—if she is not willing to let her past determine her future.
I watched my mother take care of my hundred-year-old grandmother who, in her blindness, deafness and feebleness, needed almost total care. When I was in her home, I heard what I've heard all my life: "I love you, Mother." They would tell each other this a minimum of five times a day—when Mom would get Grandma up, tuck her in or prepare her meals. And I would hear love's response as Grandma said, "And I love you, too, Leah."
Love forgives and moves on, focusing not on what might have been, what could have been or what we wish were different. Instead, love's focus is on what needs to be done now and on doing it the best we can.
My mother taught me to love; she taught me to press on, forgetting what is behind, and she demonstrated forgiveness. I wonder if she knew then that she was demonstrating principles of life that my heavenly Father would teach me in His Word.
The transition from my parents' arms to God's arms was easier because of what Mother did. No matter the hurts, the pain, the skinned knees—I now know enough to get up, go to my Heavenly Father and listen as He says, "Press on. Don't faint. Run with endurance the race that is set before you. I love you with an everlasting love."
This Week Make sure the three words, "I love you," are always a part of your conversation. Sharing your legacy of love—unconditional love—will bless families for generations.
Prayer Our heavenly Father, help us to love as You love. Helps us to forgive and move forward no matter what hurts or disappointments we may have experienced in the past. We praise you for a legacy of love that will bless our children and grandchildren and future generations into eternity.
By Kay Arthur (from "Words Of LIFE" devotional)
Friday
The most beautiful heart
One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley.
A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.
Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.
The people stared "How can he say his heart is more beautiful?" they thought.
The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."
"Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared."
"Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges - giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?"
The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks.
He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.
They embraced and walked away side by side.
Author: Unknown
A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.
Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.
The people stared "How can he say his heart is more beautiful?" they thought.
The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."
"Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared."
"Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges - giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?"
The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks.
He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.
The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.
They embraced and walked away side by side.
Author: Unknown
A great life
I've heard the saying, "The best gift parents can ever give to their children is to love each other."
I've had the pleasure of witnessing the truth of this statement for over 40 years. From as far back as I can remember my Mom and Dad were a team. A great partnership. They were more than just a partnership. It was as if they were one person.
Sure, they argued, but there was never any doubt in our minds that any disagreements would be worked through and resolved. Mom and Dad began their married life poor, but they worked hard and, over the years, built a very successful business. They each had their strengths and weaknesses, but the way they worked together, you never saw the weaknesses, just the strengths.
Dad was the outgoing, more public person with whom people met and fell in love with right away. Everyone knew Dad! Then, when they got to meet Mom, they felt the exact same way about her as well. Mom, although not at all shy, was more comfortable being the person behind the scenes. More detail oriented, she ran the books and, according to Dad, was the one who really made the business work.
The biggest lesson about love and marriage that my mom and dad taught us kids was how to talk "about" your spouse. Have you ever heard husbands and wives, when speaking to others, make unkind remarks about their spouses? It's one of those things people just seem to do. Sure, they're "only kidding," or maybe they are not. But words matter. And words teach, whether positively or negatively.
You would never hear such a thing from my mom and dad. Dad always speaks of Mom in the most complimentary, glowing terms. As does she of him.
This lesson made such an impression on me. I still remember when I was age 12 and we were getting carpet installed in our home. The crew boss was one of those stereotypical beer guzzling, hard-living guys, who would have probably belonged to Ralph Kramden's Raccoon Lodge from the old Honeymooner's TV show. For lunch, my folks bought pizza for the crew. Dad went to talk with the boss about the job. I was around the corner listening.
The boss said, "This is an expensive job. Women will really spend your money, won't they?" Dad responded, "Well, I'll tell you, when they were right there with you before you had any money, it's a pleasure to do anything for them you possibly can."
This wasn't the answer the carpet installer expected to hear. He was looking for negative banter about wives which, to him, was natural. He tried again: "But, gee, they'll really play off that and spend all they can, won't they?" Dad replied, as I knew he would, "Hey, when they're the reason you're successful, you want them to do the things they enjoy. There's no greater pleasure." Strike two.
The crew boss tried one more time, "And they'll take that as far as they can, huh?" Dad responded, "She's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'd do anything to make her happy."
I was trying not to laugh. I knew he wanted Dad to give in just a little bit and say, "Yeah, I guess that's true." But it wouldn't happen... not in a million years!
Finally, the installer gave up and went back to work, probably shaking his head in bewilderment. Witnessing my dad in that moment taught me more about loving and respecting your wife than anything he could ever have told me about the subject.
Mom and Dad are now retired and enjoying their life together, just hanging out, reading, and visiting their children and grandchildren. They recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.
They still hold hands, and they are more in love than ever. Throughout the years, whenever Mom would remind me that I should be looking to get married, I'd say, "Ma, I have plenty of time." She'd jokingly reply that I don't have "that" much time. My Dad would then look at me in that wisdom-filled, city streets bred way of his and say, "Hey, you take all the time you need. If you marry someone just half the woman your mother is, you'll have a great life."
I should only be so lucky.
Author Unknown
I've had the pleasure of witnessing the truth of this statement for over 40 years. From as far back as I can remember my Mom and Dad were a team. A great partnership. They were more than just a partnership. It was as if they were one person.
Sure, they argued, but there was never any doubt in our minds that any disagreements would be worked through and resolved. Mom and Dad began their married life poor, but they worked hard and, over the years, built a very successful business. They each had their strengths and weaknesses, but the way they worked together, you never saw the weaknesses, just the strengths.
Dad was the outgoing, more public person with whom people met and fell in love with right away. Everyone knew Dad! Then, when they got to meet Mom, they felt the exact same way about her as well. Mom, although not at all shy, was more comfortable being the person behind the scenes. More detail oriented, she ran the books and, according to Dad, was the one who really made the business work.
The biggest lesson about love and marriage that my mom and dad taught us kids was how to talk "about" your spouse. Have you ever heard husbands and wives, when speaking to others, make unkind remarks about their spouses? It's one of those things people just seem to do. Sure, they're "only kidding," or maybe they are not. But words matter. And words teach, whether positively or negatively.
You would never hear such a thing from my mom and dad. Dad always speaks of Mom in the most complimentary, glowing terms. As does she of him.
This lesson made such an impression on me. I still remember when I was age 12 and we were getting carpet installed in our home. The crew boss was one of those stereotypical beer guzzling, hard-living guys, who would have probably belonged to Ralph Kramden's Raccoon Lodge from the old Honeymooner's TV show. For lunch, my folks bought pizza for the crew. Dad went to talk with the boss about the job. I was around the corner listening.
The boss said, "This is an expensive job. Women will really spend your money, won't they?" Dad responded, "Well, I'll tell you, when they were right there with you before you had any money, it's a pleasure to do anything for them you possibly can."
This wasn't the answer the carpet installer expected to hear. He was looking for negative banter about wives which, to him, was natural. He tried again: "But, gee, they'll really play off that and spend all they can, won't they?" Dad replied, as I knew he would, "Hey, when they're the reason you're successful, you want them to do the things they enjoy. There's no greater pleasure." Strike two.
The crew boss tried one more time, "And they'll take that as far as they can, huh?" Dad responded, "She's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'd do anything to make her happy."
I was trying not to laugh. I knew he wanted Dad to give in just a little bit and say, "Yeah, I guess that's true." But it wouldn't happen... not in a million years!
Finally, the installer gave up and went back to work, probably shaking his head in bewilderment. Witnessing my dad in that moment taught me more about loving and respecting your wife than anything he could ever have told me about the subject.
Mom and Dad are now retired and enjoying their life together, just hanging out, reading, and visiting their children and grandchildren. They recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary.
They still hold hands, and they are more in love than ever. Throughout the years, whenever Mom would remind me that I should be looking to get married, I'd say, "Ma, I have plenty of time." She'd jokingly reply that I don't have "that" much time. My Dad would then look at me in that wisdom-filled, city streets bred way of his and say, "Hey, you take all the time you need. If you marry someone just half the woman your mother is, you'll have a great life."
I should only be so lucky.
Author Unknown
A good lesson
A young man, a student in one of our universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly called the students' friend, from his kindness to those who waited on his instructions. As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day's work.
The student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of the poor man. Put a coin into each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how the discovery affects him."
The student did so, and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes. While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes; but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it round, and looked at it again and again. He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin. His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving, in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom the timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing.
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. "Now," said the professor, "are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of those words, which I never understood before: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Author unknown, retold by Artin Tellalian
The student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of the poor man. Put a coin into each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how the discovery affects him."
The student did so, and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes. While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes; but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it round, and looked at it again and again. He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin. His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving, in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom the timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing.
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. "Now," said the professor, "are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of those words, which I never understood before: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Author unknown, retold by Artin Tellalian
Thursday
May be life really is
It was done in shades of blue with a touch of peach here and there and when I first saw it, tears sprang to my eyes.
Something about the painting made me see beauty in something that had previously been just another duty. The child was sound asleep in his mother’s arms, his head on her shoulder, her cheek resting against his curly hair. Light from a nearby window was just beginning to chase the dark shadows away.
The rocking chair in the background was empty. Whatever his need, she had taken him in her arms without waiting to get to a more comfortable spot.
The quilt she held him in was further evidence of someone’s love. The little patchwork pieces so patiently arranged in design and so warmly healing.
I knew just what had happened as I drank in the picture. She had heard his cries, wrapped him tightly in the warm quilt, told him everything would be OK now, and rocked him gently until his fears and tears were quieted and he was once again safe and warm and asleep.
But though he sleeps, she does not. And as she holds him snugly, the faraway look in her eyes is evidence that she too is at peace.
I cut out the picture from the magazine, had it mounted, double-matted and framed and hung it right next to the door that leads from my room. When I get up in the night to calm tears, I pass it in the dark and know that what I’m doing isn’t a terrible inconvenience at all.
It took two years before my youngest slept through the night. I listened to all the advice from outsiders — let him cry, feed him yogurt or oatmeal, skip a nap, and on and on. Then I realized that every moment during the day, we were surrounded by one or two or three others and their wants and needs and troubles. At night, just the two of us were together. My son and I.
It was then I decided that those few minutes together were not a chore or a pain or a sacrifice. They were an act of love, a sweet service. And then, as the woman in the painting in shades of blue, I felt peace.
Author: Louise R. Shaw
Something about the painting made me see beauty in something that had previously been just another duty. The child was sound asleep in his mother’s arms, his head on her shoulder, her cheek resting against his curly hair. Light from a nearby window was just beginning to chase the dark shadows away.
The rocking chair in the background was empty. Whatever his need, she had taken him in her arms without waiting to get to a more comfortable spot.
The quilt she held him in was further evidence of someone’s love. The little patchwork pieces so patiently arranged in design and so warmly healing.
I knew just what had happened as I drank in the picture. She had heard his cries, wrapped him tightly in the warm quilt, told him everything would be OK now, and rocked him gently until his fears and tears were quieted and he was once again safe and warm and asleep.
But though he sleeps, she does not. And as she holds him snugly, the faraway look in her eyes is evidence that she too is at peace.
I cut out the picture from the magazine, had it mounted, double-matted and framed and hung it right next to the door that leads from my room. When I get up in the night to calm tears, I pass it in the dark and know that what I’m doing isn’t a terrible inconvenience at all.
It took two years before my youngest slept through the night. I listened to all the advice from outsiders — let him cry, feed him yogurt or oatmeal, skip a nap, and on and on. Then I realized that every moment during the day, we were surrounded by one or two or three others and their wants and needs and troubles. At night, just the two of us were together. My son and I.
It was then I decided that those few minutes together were not a chore or a pain or a sacrifice. They were an act of love, a sweet service. And then, as the woman in the painting in shades of blue, I felt peace.
Author: Louise R. Shaw
Cry for help
Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment.
When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No I can't..There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you here."
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love, realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time", Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
Author: Unknown
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment.
When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No I can't..There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you here."
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel, "Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness let me go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"
Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Love, realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"
"It was Time", Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."
Author: Unknown
Marble trader
During the waning years of the Depression in a small southeastern Idaho community, I used to stop by Mr. Miller's roadside stand for farm-fresh produce as the season made it available. Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used, extensively. One particular day, Mr. Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?"
"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas......sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"
"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla'time."
"Good. Anything I can help you with "
"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."
"Would you like to take some home?"
"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"
"All I got's my prize aggie, best taw around here."
"Is that right? Let me see it."
"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."
"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"
"Not 'zackley .....but, almost."
"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red taw."
"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community. All three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble, or an orange one, perhaps."
I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Utah, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community, and while I was there, I learned that Mr. Miller had just died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon our arrival at the mortuary, we got into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an Army uniform and the other two had short haircuts, wore dark suits and white shirts, looking like potential or returned missionaries.
They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and looking composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, and wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "This is an amazing coincidence," she said. "Those three young men that just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size...they came to pay their debt. We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would have considered himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three magnificently shiny, red marbles.
W. E. Petersen, (October 1975, Ensign Magazine)
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?"
"H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas......sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?"
"Fine. Gittin' stronger alla'time."
"Good. Anything I can help you with "
"No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."
"Would you like to take some home?"
"No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with."
"Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"
"All I got's my prize aggie, best taw around here."
"Is that right? Let me see it."
"Here 'tis. She's a dandy."
"I can see that. Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?"
"Not 'zackley .....but, almost."
"Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red taw."
"Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community. All three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble, or an orange one, perhaps."
I left the stand, smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Utah, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community, and while I was there, I learned that Mr. Miller had just died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.
Upon our arrival at the mortuary, we got into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an Army uniform and the other two had short haircuts, wore dark suits and white shirts, looking like potential or returned missionaries.
They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and looking composed, by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, and wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. Eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "This is an amazing coincidence," she said. "Those three young men that just left, were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size...they came to pay their debt. We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would have considered himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three magnificently shiny, red marbles.
W. E. Petersen, (October 1975, Ensign Magazine)
A christmas story
In the very early 1800's, a young boy about 14 years old named John lived in an orphanage in Old England along with several other children. Orphanages were dreaded. Orphan meant unwanted and unloved. The orphanage was administered by a master and his wife who were results of meager backgrounds themselves and were short on love but high on discipline. No childlike play, no expression of compassion, no understanding.
Every day of the year was spent working. They worked in gardens, cleaned, sewed, and cooked sometimes for wealthy children. They were up at dawn and worked until dark and usually received only one meal a day. However, they were very grateful because they were taught to be hard workers. John had absolutely nothing to call his own. None of the children did.
Christmas was the one day of the year when the children did not work and received a gift. A gift for each child - something to call their own. This special gift was an orange. John had been in the orphanage long enough to look forward with delight and anticipation of this special day of Christmas and to the orange he would receive. In Old England, and to John and his orphan companions, an orange was a rare and special gift. It had an unusual aroma of something they smelled only at Christmas. The children prized it so much that they kept it for several days, weeks, and even months - protecting it, smelling it, touching it and loving it. Usually they tried to savor and preserve it for so long that it often rotted before they ever peeled it to enjoy the sweet juice.
Many thought were expressed this year as Christmas time approached. The children would say, "I will keep mine the longest." They always talked about how big their last orange was and how long they had kept it.
John usually slept with his next to his pillow. He would put it right by his nose and smell of its goodness, holding it tenderly and carefully as not to bruise it. He would dream of children all over the world smelling the sweet aroma of oranges. It gave him security and a sense of well being, hope and dreams of a future filled with good food and a life different from this meager existence.
This year John was overjoyed by the Christmas season. He was becoming a man. He knew he was becoming stronger and soon he would be old enough to leave. He was excited by this anticipation and excited about Christmas. He would save his orange until his birthday in July. If he preserved it very carefully, kept it cool and did not drop it, he might be able to eat it on his birthday.
Christmas day finally came. The children were so excited as they entered the big dining hall. John could smell the unusual aroma of meat. In his excitement and because of his oversized feet, he tripped, causing a disturbance. Immediately the master roared, "John, leave the hall and there will be no orange for you this year." John's heart broke violently wide open. He began to cry. He turned and went swiftly back to the cold room and his corner so the small children would not see his anguish.
Then he heard the door open and each of the children entered. Little Elizabeth with her hair falling over her shoulders, a smile on her face, and tears in her eyes held out a piece of rag to John. "Here John," she said, "this is for you." John was touched by her youth and innocence as he reached for the bulge in her hand. As he lifted back the edges of the rag he saw a big juicy orange all peeled and quartered. . . and then he realized what they had done. Each had sacrificed their own orange by sharing a quarter and had created a big, beautiful orange for John.
John never forgot the sharing, love and personal sacrifice his friends had shown him that Christmas day. John's beginning was a meager existence, however, his growth to manhood was rewarded by wealth and success.
In memory of that day every year he would send oranges all over the world to children everywhere. His desire was that no child would ever spend Christmas without a special Christmas fruit!
author unknown
Every day of the year was spent working. They worked in gardens, cleaned, sewed, and cooked sometimes for wealthy children. They were up at dawn and worked until dark and usually received only one meal a day. However, they were very grateful because they were taught to be hard workers. John had absolutely nothing to call his own. None of the children did.
Christmas was the one day of the year when the children did not work and received a gift. A gift for each child - something to call their own. This special gift was an orange. John had been in the orphanage long enough to look forward with delight and anticipation of this special day of Christmas and to the orange he would receive. In Old England, and to John and his orphan companions, an orange was a rare and special gift. It had an unusual aroma of something they smelled only at Christmas. The children prized it so much that they kept it for several days, weeks, and even months - protecting it, smelling it, touching it and loving it. Usually they tried to savor and preserve it for so long that it often rotted before they ever peeled it to enjoy the sweet juice.
Many thought were expressed this year as Christmas time approached. The children would say, "I will keep mine the longest." They always talked about how big their last orange was and how long they had kept it.
John usually slept with his next to his pillow. He would put it right by his nose and smell of its goodness, holding it tenderly and carefully as not to bruise it. He would dream of children all over the world smelling the sweet aroma of oranges. It gave him security and a sense of well being, hope and dreams of a future filled with good food and a life different from this meager existence.
This year John was overjoyed by the Christmas season. He was becoming a man. He knew he was becoming stronger and soon he would be old enough to leave. He was excited by this anticipation and excited about Christmas. He would save his orange until his birthday in July. If he preserved it very carefully, kept it cool and did not drop it, he might be able to eat it on his birthday.
Christmas day finally came. The children were so excited as they entered the big dining hall. John could smell the unusual aroma of meat. In his excitement and because of his oversized feet, he tripped, causing a disturbance. Immediately the master roared, "John, leave the hall and there will be no orange for you this year." John's heart broke violently wide open. He began to cry. He turned and went swiftly back to the cold room and his corner so the small children would not see his anguish.
Then he heard the door open and each of the children entered. Little Elizabeth with her hair falling over her shoulders, a smile on her face, and tears in her eyes held out a piece of rag to John. "Here John," she said, "this is for you." John was touched by her youth and innocence as he reached for the bulge in her hand. As he lifted back the edges of the rag he saw a big juicy orange all peeled and quartered. . . and then he realized what they had done. Each had sacrificed their own orange by sharing a quarter and had created a big, beautiful orange for John.
John never forgot the sharing, love and personal sacrifice his friends had shown him that Christmas day. John's beginning was a meager existence, however, his growth to manhood was rewarded by wealth and success.
In memory of that day every year he would send oranges all over the world to children everywhere. His desire was that no child would ever spend Christmas without a special Christmas fruit!
author unknown
Tuesday
Moe and Mirvat's story
My Name is Moe am 27 years old, I live in United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi, and 14 years ago when I was like 13 yearsMoe and Mirvat old, I was in love with a girl she used to live next door, every day I used to stay 9 hours just waiting for school to finish so I can go and wait her to come from school just to look at her sweet lovely eyes.So when the school bus drop me home I just go running to the bathroom to take a shower, put on my perfume, and put on the best clothes I have every single day.I go call my best friend and ask him to go out waiting with me, her maid used to wait her too, with her small little brother and his name is Moe too, he was 2 years old that time he used to be so cute, I used to spend all the time playing football (a game I hate) with him just to see her kissing him when she arrived from school and I stayed this way months without even telling her about my feelings.At the summer time I went to my country for a vacation, I got her a gift with the letter M as the first letter of her name (and by the way Her name is Mirvat) and I decided to go to her house and knock the door and give her the gift just like that.And I finally knocked her door and she opened, but there was one problem that she opened the door like she was going to kill me for bothering her while she was sleeping or something, anyways she was angry and her eyes were on fire, so I freaked out and I couldn’t think what to do, finally I told her I just got this gift to your brother Moe, and I was like :S .That was the last day I ever saw her, they traveled for a vacation and then we moved from that aria, and I never been able to meet the girl I love again.So before 3 months I was surfing the net and I was searching in a nice website called Facebook, I saw a lovely girl who is single and she’s 27 years old , she looked so beautiful I liked her profile picture and it’s the only picture I could see because she’s not in my friends list, I add her to my list and she accepted and I never got the time to go to her profile and see her pictures, after a while she left a comment on 1 of my pictures I loved the comment then I replied back, I added her to my MSN Messenger and we started to chat, after along adult chat she told me that she saw my face somehow or somewhere before, and that made me go to her profile to have a look at her pictures, and when I saw them I was shocked I was going to have a heart attack, is she the same girl I used to love 14 years ago?I asked her a lot of a questions and all of them made me sure that she’s my dream, I was strong enough just to tell her that I used to love her long time ago. I told her that I played too much football just for you and just to see you, and that gift was for you not your brother but she couldn’t remember it, she smiled and couldn’t believe all this.We talked that day on the Internet more than 13 hours , was so amazing no story such as this one, and we met the day after that, and we are in love now with each other and we are planning to be engaged soon.This is my story and I just feel so happy sharing it with everyone.Yours,Moe & Mirvat
Love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai
Hinemoa was a Chieftainess of a tribe,who lived in a village of Owhata,located by the shores of lake Rotorua.On lake Rotorua there is the Island of Mokoia,four kilometers across the water from Owhata.On this Island there lived another well born but unfortunately illegitimate young man named Tutanekai.The tribes of the two young lovers would sometimesvisit together for special occasions, so it was during these times that Hinemoa and Tutanekai would come toknow one another and fall in love with each other.The love of Hinemoa and Tutanekai would growstronger and stronger with each passing day,and there were times in the evening whenTutanekai would declare his love for Hinemoa from the Island of Mokoia.
Tutanekai would sit on the verandah of his house,which was on a hillside overlooking the Lake,and he would play his flute.A gentle breeze in the evening would carry the sounds thatTutanekai played drifting across the waters of lake Rotorua.Hinemoa as she stood on the shores of the lake wouldlisten intently, embracing the music fromTutanekai as he declared his love for her.However as often as it happens in life Hinemoa`srelatives suspected that she had fallenin love with Tutanekai and although he wasconsidered a nice young man, it was notthe wishes of the tribe that the two should unite together in marriage.Every night they would ensure that all the canoes werebeached up so that Hinemoa would not be able to pullthe canoe into the water and make her way across the laketo be with her lover Tutanekai.One evening as Hinemoa stood on the shores of the lake with herheart so heavy and eyes full of tears, listening to the melody of Tutanekai`s flute, she felt she could bear it no longer.She lashed together six gourds in order to keep her afloat and waded herself out intothe lake, being guided along by the music of Tutanekai,she swam the long journey to Mokoia Island.When she finally reached the island after hours of exhaustion,she came across a hot pool and entered it.She was trembling with cold from the journeybut her heart was full of joy.Sometime later Hinemoa could hear footsteps coming andshe saw what appeared to be the shadow of a man filling a cala bash with water from a cold spring next to the hot pool.At that moment Hinemoa imitated the sound of a mans voice andcalled out loudly “Who is that for!”“I am the servant of Tutanekai, this water is for my master”, came the reply.Hinemoa`s heart was glad knowing that she was so closeto Tutanekai`s home. She then seized the calabash from the servant and broke it on the rocks.The servant then raced back to his master Tutanekai andreported to him the strange incident that occurredat the hot pool, but Tutanekai was too tired and heart broken to do anything.The servant once again returned to fill the calabash with water and again Hinemoa seized thewater calabash and broke it on the rocks.This would happen time and time again untilTutanekai finally decided to dosomething about the matter himself.Taking hold of his club he quickly hurried down to the pool to kill this stranger thathad insulted him. Calling out for the intruder to identify himself, Tutanekai quickly madehis way around the hot pool reaching aroundthe edges, until finally he grabbed the armof the adversary pulling him out of the water into the moonlight.“Tutanekai” she whispered, “It is I Hinemoa”Tutanekai surprised as he was, stood and stared at her in the moonlight, they thenembraced each other as the two young lovers made their way back to Tutanekai`s house.No longer would they be separated from each other again.The next morning as the two lovers slept in late,Tutanekai`s father sent his servant off to wake him,it was then reported by the servant that as he approached the door ofTutanekai`s house, as he looked into the room he could seetwo pairs of feet and not one lying in Tutanekai`s bed.After that Hinemoa and Tutanekai emerged together embracing one another.From that moment on their union and love for one another wasaccepted by their relatives and tribes.
Tutanekai would sit on the verandah of his house,which was on a hillside overlooking the Lake,and he would play his flute.A gentle breeze in the evening would carry the sounds thatTutanekai played drifting across the waters of lake Rotorua.Hinemoa as she stood on the shores of the lake wouldlisten intently, embracing the music fromTutanekai as he declared his love for her.However as often as it happens in life Hinemoa`srelatives suspected that she had fallenin love with Tutanekai and although he wasconsidered a nice young man, it was notthe wishes of the tribe that the two should unite together in marriage.Every night they would ensure that all the canoes werebeached up so that Hinemoa would not be able to pullthe canoe into the water and make her way across the laketo be with her lover Tutanekai.One evening as Hinemoa stood on the shores of the lake with herheart so heavy and eyes full of tears, listening to the melody of Tutanekai`s flute, she felt she could bear it no longer.She lashed together six gourds in order to keep her afloat and waded herself out intothe lake, being guided along by the music of Tutanekai,she swam the long journey to Mokoia Island.When she finally reached the island after hours of exhaustion,she came across a hot pool and entered it.She was trembling with cold from the journeybut her heart was full of joy.Sometime later Hinemoa could hear footsteps coming andshe saw what appeared to be the shadow of a man filling a cala bash with water from a cold spring next to the hot pool.At that moment Hinemoa imitated the sound of a mans voice andcalled out loudly “Who is that for!”“I am the servant of Tutanekai, this water is for my master”, came the reply.Hinemoa`s heart was glad knowing that she was so closeto Tutanekai`s home. She then seized the calabash from the servant and broke it on the rocks.The servant then raced back to his master Tutanekai andreported to him the strange incident that occurredat the hot pool, but Tutanekai was too tired and heart broken to do anything.The servant once again returned to fill the calabash with water and again Hinemoa seized thewater calabash and broke it on the rocks.This would happen time and time again untilTutanekai finally decided to dosomething about the matter himself.Taking hold of his club he quickly hurried down to the pool to kill this stranger thathad insulted him. Calling out for the intruder to identify himself, Tutanekai quickly madehis way around the hot pool reaching aroundthe edges, until finally he grabbed the armof the adversary pulling him out of the water into the moonlight.“Tutanekai” she whispered, “It is I Hinemoa”Tutanekai surprised as he was, stood and stared at her in the moonlight, they thenembraced each other as the two young lovers made their way back to Tutanekai`s house.No longer would they be separated from each other again.The next morning as the two lovers slept in late,Tutanekai`s father sent his servant off to wake him,it was then reported by the servant that as he approached the door ofTutanekai`s house, as he looked into the room he could seetwo pairs of feet and not one lying in Tutanekai`s bed.After that Hinemoa and Tutanekai emerged together embracing one another.From that moment on their union and love for one another wasaccepted by their relatives and tribes.
Friday
Love beneath the pacific tides
When I stepped off the plane in Maui, I smelled flowers, teriyaki sauce barbecue, and coconut suntan lotion. I was on Spring Break, traveling with a scuba driving group from college. The dive master planned seven days, a tight scuba schedule, and then back to rainy Oregon. While that was the main reason for the trip, I'd been thinking about a romantic agenda. In a couple of days, almost everyone in my group had met someone to go out with, everyone except me. Nights on the beach, I sipped pineapple cocktails and watched couples walking arm and arm along gentle waves. Still no luck. There was a girl I liked who joined our dive group late, but I hadn't a chance to spend much time with her. Her name was Bonnie and she had dark brown hair and blue eyes. When she smiled, you could hear the angels singing. If only I could get her away from the group so we could spend some time together. By the fifth day, still nothing.Our group took a high speed launch from Maui to dive at Cathedrals, an underwater reef formation off the coast of Molakai. The crossing was rough, with big swells breaking on the bows. The dive master drew names to see who would be paired up as dive buddies. I caught Bonnie looking at me and flashed a glance back, smiling, but she turned away. Please, please, please pair me up with Bonnie, I wished, secretly crossing my fingers. But the diver master didn't pair us up. Instead I was assigned to Todd, an inexperienced, pimply faced sophomore who seemed accident prone. I glanced back at Bonnie who gazed down at the deck, disappointed when the dive master called out Todd. Had she wanted to go with Todd? Had she wanted to go with me? Not this time. I exhaled deeply, a barely audible sigh. With only two days left on our dive trip, I guessed it just wasn't meant to be. Our dive boat drew closer to dropping anchor in the warm turquoise waters off Molokai. Todd looked ashen and then suddenly darted for the rail on the starboard side of the boat, leaning over hard. He'd gotten sea-sick from the boat ride over from Maui and was in no condition to go diving. That left me without a dive buddy. Bonnie looked over to me and then over to the dive master. I was about to ask if she wanted to go with me, but before the words came out of my mouth I heard, "Can I go with Ken?" There it was. She said it and the dive master nodded over in my direction. In a few moments the Bonnie and I were in the water and making our way down, 70 feet below the surface to a gothic coral formation--the Cathedrals. Sun shown through the coral like light through blue and purple stained glass church windows. Three manta rays glided by in a triangle formation like brown velvet archangels. From across the channel I could hear the calling of humpback whales underwater. Bonnie grabbed my hand and took her regulator from her mouth. At first I thought she was in trouble and needed my air. I took a deep breah, removed my regulator from my mouth, and offered it to her. She shook her head no and her long brown hair rose around her like a soft beacon. She closed her eyes and kissed me with her soft salty lips. We held hands for the rest of the dive and kicked our legs in unison, dancing, floating, spiraling around the coral like dolphins. It's said that diving in Hawaii is among the best in the world. Now I knew way.After a day of diving, we returned to Maui. Couples went off on their own. The two of us walked along the white sand beach back at Maui and sat down to watch the sunset. I put my arms around her and hugged her tightly to me. She pulled her knees up to her chest and we rocked back and forth, listening to the music of the waves and watching the last ember of the sun sinking into the vast Pacific. The sand, the soft starlit sky, the smell of coconuts, flowers, and teriyaki. If you aren't in love in Hawaii, you soon will be. I know because it happened to me at 70 feet below the surface, near a coral reef formation called the Cathedrals.
Rich in love
I was born poor, dirt poor. My mother could barely make ends meet to support six small children on her full-time job as a housekeeper at a motel. Because I grew up poor I had an unquenchable thirst to make a lot of money. It became my obsession. Somewhere in the back of my mind I told myself, money first, then maybe love. I vowed not to get into any serious relationship with a woman until I had achieved my goal, because I viewed love as a major distraction. Being uneducated I knew I would have to work twice as hard. I dropped out of high school when I was 17 and joined the Army. Immediately I was stationed in Germany. I got to see places in Europe that people only dream about or read about in magazines. I used my military experience to get a free education. When my service was over I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Within 6 months I was hired on at a company as a Manager. Within 2 years I became Vice President of Operations. 2 years after that I quit the company to start my own business. A year later and I had finally done it. I had achieved my lifelong dream. But I wasn't happy. I couldn't understand why I wasn't more excited about it. Then a trip to Hawaii with a friend changed it all for me.My friend Doug and I took a trip to Maui over the Christmas Holiday in 2002. He was trying to cheer me up because I had told him about my predicament. We did the typical tourist thing and attended a luau the first night. Sitting next to me was this gorgeous, but quiet woman. I tried talking to her and every time I did she said nothing. A lady at the other end of the table, who turned out to be her sister, began talking to her in sign language. She was deaf. All through dinner I thought about how I could convey my attraction for her. Being outgoing I decided to try something silly. While hula dancers performed for us I scooped her up from the table and began to hula dance. She giggled the whole time. Before we knew it everyone at our table sprung from the table and began hula dancing too. After dinner I took her hand and pointed to the beach with my other one. She smiled and nodded her head, "Yes". We walked barefoot under the stars along the beach that night, both of us silent and unable to communicate to the other. I couldn't take my eyes off her. I felt the happiest I had in years. As I glanced up at the moon I thought about my life up until that point. What I thought I wanted was the thing I didn't need, and what I thought I didn't need was the thing I now, truly wanted, love. I'm rich in love.
Love atop halekala
ThenIt was just before dawn on the great Hawaiian island of Maui where Ray and Carol stood alongside the railing of the crater of Haleakala. They were both eager to see the sunrise while literally standing among the clouds atop the 9,740 foot high dormant volcano. Tour books and travel agents could not come close to expressing this most anticipated show of natural beauty and awe. Ray and Carol were not the only ones awaiting this spectacular view. No less than a hundred or so people dotted the railing encircling the highest end of the crater. In the cold and dark pre-dawn hour, Ray stood behind Carol – wrapping his arms around her as they both looked ahead at the suddenly lightening horizon."It's hard to believe we're finally in Hawaii!" said Ray while rubbing his hands up and down Carol's arm in a near futile attempt of warming her."Yes," Carol responded with her head slightly leaning back onto her boyfriend's chest, "everything has been so perfect here. I don't want to leave.""I know. Paradise on Earth has a price: you eventually have to go back home."They stood quietly as a sharp glimpse of a red-balled sun began emerging from the sky. They finally realized that the clouds were actually below them.NowCarol and Ray stood facing each other exactly two years later … at that very crater … as the entire railing was surrounded by their wedding guests. As Carol and Ray looked deeply, lovingly into each other's eyes, they continued exchanging their personally written wedding vows as the sun slowly slipped up from its dark blanket of night."And I," reciting Carol, "promise not a day shall pass without you in my heart and head. For I have found my love. Without you, I would be a mere shell of a person. With you as my husband … I am whole. Forever happy … and forever thankful."Some tears fell from a few wedding guest. Mostly from Carol's mother who never thought her daughter looked more beautiful as the first glimmering rays of the sun shined behind Carol's head. She knew her daughter was truly happy and that generated tremendous tears of joy.There were, of course, other tears of joy … by Ray's mother as she listened to the end of her son's vows to Carol. "From the moment we stood atop this crater and saw the glory of this view … as everyone is seeing now … I knew we were destined for each other. You make me happy! You complete me … as this rising sun completes the moon at night. We are one … always and forever."They kissed as their vows were completed. A wild ruckus from the crowd ensued as the entire crater became enveloped in the sun. The best man walked over to the maid of honor and said, "Quite the wedding! Imagine what their anniversaries will be like!"
Lucky in love
It was my cousin's wedding in the summer of '89 and I almost didn't make it. I had to actually pay someone to take my shift or I definitely would have missed it.I sat at the reception which followed after the ceremony and wished I could be up there dancing and having fun; but had no partner. I was looking around the room and spotted someone coming down the stairs into the hall. He was tall and not just good looking; but very handsome and I couldn't take my eyes off him. I found myself staring for the longest time and wondering who he was? He didn't sit with any of the brides relatives, so I guessed that he must be a friend of my cousin's.He sat across the table from me and started chatting to a few people at the table who must have known who he was. I was desperately hoping for an introduction when my cousin's drunken best man Dean stumbled over and said hello and asked if we knew each other? Upon hearing that we did not, he said, "Well then, in that case, Martin this is Kara and Kara this is Martin" and staggered away, happy he had done us a service. He was comical.Introductions made, Martin & I started talking and found we had lots of things to talk about and he asked me to dance numerous times. We both wanted to travel someday to romantic Hawaii as well as other destinations of unmatched beauty. We were having so much fun that at one point, we went outside for some fresh air and spoke some more. I didn't want the night to end. It was like I had met my match, my soulmate and I felt like I couldn't let this one get away.The end of the evening drew nearer and my parents, who I had come with, were ready to leave. In hopes of seeing him again somehow, I wrote my name, address and number on a slip of paper and went to sadly say goodbye. He understood and when I said it was nice to have met him and went to shake his hand, he flipped my hand over and kissed it very gently; but firmly. I knew he was it, as no guy from my hometown would have ever done something like that! I felt his kiss on my hand making my legs buckle and quickly left before either falling down or attacking him there on the spot.I thought of him all the way home and only a few days after returning home; I received a letter in the mail from him, that he wrote that same night after he returned home. We obviously had left quite an impression on each other from our first meeting.Letters and phone calls and birthday and Christmas visits with one another eventually led to a marriage of our own, with Dean serving again as our best man and 3 beautiful daughters and 15 years later, here we are; just as happy and in love as the first day we met! Martin is ever the romantic and still keeps that slip of paper, that I gave him that first night, tucked away in his wallet. I love this man so much and will forevr and always!
Love walk
I met this guy on the internet. We talked for about 6 months and then finally decided to meet. He lived only a few miles south of me so we met at a near by mall. We clicked immideitly. It was wonderful! i knew this might be something very special. We went on a few more dates and became "official" boyfriend-girlfriend. He started spending the night at my house, we became very close!. We thought a trip to Hawaii would be increadibly romantic and so we made plans to visit for a week. The flight over there was long, but amazing sitting next to him! By the time we touched down in the aloha state we both knew eachothers life stories. The first night we were there we went out to eat at a beachfront restaraunt. It was right at sunset and the food was delicious!!! We talked some more...about everything. He looked deep into my eyes and told me that he thought i would be the one he could spend the rest of his life with. I cried. It was beautiful. The rest of the week went the same way. Walks on the beach at sunset. One late afternoon he was holding me in his arms as we watched the sun sink into the ocean. He asked me how i felt about our relationship. I did't even have to think about it. I said "i think i love you" and he said "im glad our feelings are the same becuase im about to ask you a very important question". He got up and got on one knee. He told me to look in the pocket of the bag we had with us. I pulled out a tiney blue velet box and started crying. He opened it and slipped it on my finger. "will you marry me?" YES!!! then from behind, beautiful hawaiian music started playing. We both just hugged and kissed and cried. it was so amazing....we have been married for 3 years now and we have a beautiful baby girl!
My only love
I met my only love at a high school dance. I never dated before this dance. I saw this most wonderful looking boy in the world. He caught my eye as soon as I saw him. He didn't see me. My girlfriend I was with, went up to this boy and asked him if he would like to meet me. He told her yes. He came over to where I was standing, my whole body shook with joy. We exchanged hi's. He then left and said he would be back. I thought that he did not like me or what I looked like. I was so sad, because I loved him,with no explanation. He did come back to see me. I was so over joyed. He was 14yrs at the time, I was 15 yrs. We married when he was 17 yrs, I 18yrs. We have now been married for 31 yrs, to be 32 yrs on Sept 8,1973. We never had a honeymoon, and would love to go to a beautiful place as Hawaii. This would be a wonderful first romantic trip we have ever taken. He is a kind, sincere, thoughtful, and caring man, not only to me, but also to his 2 grown sons. We love each other so much and would not know what to do without one another
Love prevails
I was only 11 years old and totally in LOVE with George whom was 17 years old. I would admire him from afar and he knew that I was crazy about him but, he knew he was much to old for me. We traded smiles and a few kisses over the next few years and then he went on with his life. I met someone else, fell in love and was married to him for 20 years and had 2 children with him, but could nerver get George out of my mind. Finally one day I saw him at his parents house and I stopped to talk with him. He recently had divorced and we started seeing each other and we dated for about a year and a half and today, we have been happily married for 3 and one-half years. I just recently turned 45 and him 50. We are the best of friends and lovers. After all those years, nothing could keep us apart. Love definately prevails.Winning a trip to Hawaii as a 2nd honeymoon would be a dream come true. Nothing would compare. Hopefully, we could make up for lost time.Kathy Majefski
Link exchange
If you would like to exchange link with me,just link to me and leave a comment over here.I would link back to your site no matter how crap your site is.
Thursday
Love at first sight
I was amazed when i came to your Apartment and met my date as you got my drink and came with snacks into the Living Room i could tell you were nervous. I notice you couldn't take your eyes off me it seem like we knew each other for years and years and we were made for each other you made me happy and free that night we were set on a blind date and we ending up in each others arms the next morning the sunlight was coming into the room somehow he knew that we were made for each other the morning i awoke that morning i couldnt believe this his how love felt never really been loved totally untill that night i never wanted to leave his site i was over joyed with love when i left to go back to my apartment with my friend she was dating his roommate i almost decided to cancell the date because of the unknown not knowing what i would find a night in shining armour that i would have missed my chance for happiness if i wouldnt have to a chance. Today im happily married to the man i met that night we were ment to be and our soul well be with each other i get to wake up to the man i love every morning dreams do come true. I hope my marriage stays as beautiful as the island of hawaii is forever.
Captured my heart
My name is Angela and in August of 2004, I met the man of my dreams. HIs name is Rafael and he is the sweetest, most loving man I have ever met. When he and I met I didn't have a penny to my name and no direction in my life. He showed me how much value I really have and loved me despite my shortcomings. He encouraged me to do well in school and now I am on my way to graduating. He works very hard for the both of us and he tells me everyday how beautiful I am and how much he loves me. I have never loved any man the way I love Rafael. He is the reason why I get up everyday and try my absolute hardest at everything I do. He really is my first and true love. Rafael is my everything and my whole world. My dream is to get married on the island of Hawaii near the gorgoeus water. Even as a little girl I dreamed of marrying the man of my dreams near the oceans of Hawaii.
Waiting for you
I never expected to be planning a honeymoon to Hawaii next year with my you. We met close to four years on a ski trip. I was invited by a new friend to join a group of young people for a weekend skiing. You were there as well. You just started dating Alan.Our first encounter wasn't all that special. We talked together awkwardly as we ascended the hill on a ski lift. I don't remember this, but at the top you knocked me over unintentionally as we dismounted from the lift. You tell me about that all the time. We became friends. I always liked you, but assumed that you were going to marry Alan. I remember the one time we sat next to each other at church after going into the sanctuary late. It felt nice sitting next to you. You asked me to play on your softball team. Do you remember the one time my parents came and my mom asked if the catcher (you) was available? I had to laugh and tell my mother you were dating the pitcher (Alan). I remember my heart skipping a beat when I found out you two broke up. We went on another ski trip last year, but you were dating Jeremy. That's where I first noticed you as more than just a friend. But, I waited. I wasn't the type to steal a woman from another guy. That relationship didn't last long. When you became abailable again, I knew that my chance of romancing you might not last long. I called, sent E-mails, and stayed near you during group outings as much as possible. I finally summoned enough courage to ask you out. Our first date was wonderful. I still remember the outfit you were wearing, the way your hair was styled, and the light in your brown eyes. Our conversation was easy and relaxed. I learned so much about you. It was weird at first to think about dating you after being friends for over three years. I've often thought back to memories of us as friends not knowing we were going to fall in love and laugh. I have no regrets. You are the love of my life, the one I want to be with for all time. One of my greatest decisions of my life was asking you out. Julie, I love you.
Love at 15
i moved to queensland due to peers i didt wanna come this caused some tears i meet you at the local store you were so gorgous to hard to egnore you stood out from all your other mates its amazing the feeling that love creates well were mates for months just getting to no you i loved you then cos of the things wed do we didt talk much until one nite i cheatd on my boy friend and got in a fight i was a discrace with pain and tears running down my face i was walking around for hours with no one there so i went to your house sat on your bed and all i could do was stair into your gorgous brown eyes with confussion in them i told you every thing from start to stop the first time you said i love you i havt forgot im so glad i went to your house that day i no now queensland with you is were i wanna stay brennan i love you i really do its wired you no cos im 16 but it feels so right forever baby me and you forever and ever were closer then tight.wel marry one day i dream it all the time im yours for ever and your all mine we will surf the word and do it all ive got you i want nothing more well go to hawaii and call it home put it this way youll never be alone....
Whom I'm thankful for my love
I am thankful for my boyfriend Yangshi. I am thankful for him because he is the one I love. He's the one and only, the first person to show me what love is.Today, January 6, 2005 is our 8th month anniversary. Even though sometimes he says things he doesn't mean when he's mad, I know deep inside he loves me very much. He's often short tempered, which teaches me to be a long tempered person. To me, there can not be two short tempered people, if there are, the relationship could be a disaster. He taught me about life and about what is right and what is wrong. He is the one who encourages me to be a good person and helps me to make the right decisions sometimes. I am also grateful for him because he took me in when I had nowhere else to go and bought me food when I was hungry. We've had our ups and down just like any other relationship, but we always stood by each other.I go on everyday because of him. He gives me something to look forward to each day. Though there are things about him that I don't like, I've learned to accept him for who he is and what he does. For me, I have learned so much from him in 8 months, than in my whole lifetime. I have the most fun time with him, yet, I've also had the worst time with him. What really counts is the love. What I love about him are the good qualities; sweet, nice, funny, and protective.
Wednesday
My greatest first love
on the first day of my service,i went to the my office very fast.suddenlly at the bus stand i saw the girl who sat at the bus-stand.for a sort time i only saw that girl.i saw her's eyes which looks like stars.ofen when,i went to the office, i saw that beautiful girl.I don't sleep very well,i don't work porperally.one day i decied,i meet that girl& talk with her.After that day we mat every day&talk with each other for a long time.one i invite her to my house for a tea.we took tea& i saw her my house.After one year i feel that i love her.so,i decied that i tell her.I went to at her home &i bell her home'door.she opend the door.I tell her my feelings about her.I cleen tell her "I LOVE YOU".she also replied me that"I LOVE YOU "also.After than two months we married.we went for honeymoon at hawaii the paradise of love.
Love conquers all
After 40 years of never being in love and thinking I would never be fortunate enough to have love come my way, I met Lynn. At the age of 40, I put my profile on a dating web site for the first time ever and got a response that very night from my Lynn. We emailed for months and then finally met. My heart skipped a beat the moment I laid eyes on her beauty and instantly fell in love with her. For the last 2 years we have been together and she has made me smile like never before. With me being disabled, Lynn has put up with many things in her life that she never expected and has never hesitated in her patience with my physical disability. Of course being on a fixed income, I can't afford to take her to my dream vacation spot of Hawaii. Lynn soo deserves to have one week in Hawaii for me to show my appreciation for bringing true love to my life. Love does Conquer all. Especially a disability.
Love is sweet
My older sister, Elise, always said she paved the way for me, And she has. She convinced my parents to let me wear lipstick and high heels at age 13, and she found the house that my husband and I presently own. But her greatest achievement, was finding my wonderful husband, Jerry.When Elise was 19 and I was 15 years old, Elise met her husband-to be, Jack. She would often bring her fiance to traditional Friday dinners at my parents'home. Jack enjoyed the dinners so much, that he figured why should his cousin miss out. So shortly, thereafter, cousin Jerry came along and I was smitten… right from the beginning.Since I was in high school and Jerry was in college, the age difference seemed tremendous. Jerry befriended me, not as a date, but rather as a little sister. When I turned 16, he attended my "sweet sixteen" birthday bash and gave me a soft, fluffy stuffed angora kitten.When, I enrolled in the University of Miami, Jerry took me through registration, so it wouldn't be so overwhelming. As the years rolled on, we each dated, and eventually became engaged---but not to each other. As luck would have it, we both broke off our engagements and I started moping around the house. Naturally, Elise intervened and unbeknownst to me, she had a nice long visit with cousin Jerry and subtly suggested he take me out. I was now a senior in college.The month was November. We were engaged in February and married in July. When Elise does a job, she does it well.We have been married for 45 fantastic years, have 2 lovely children, and 4 adorable grandchildren. Jack and Jerry became not only first cousins, but brothers-in-law and partners in business. I'm still smitten with my first love. What a thrill it would be to take him on a romantic, idyllic, fabled island getaway…Hawaii, where the air is filled with romance and the spirit of Aloha. Azure- blue seas, sun-kissed beaches, snow-capped mountains, plunging waterfalls, tropical gardens, all create the intoxicating allure of this island paradise. There is no place on earth like it.I hope I can continue to shower Jerry with the love he so richly deserves, for many more years, but I know I'd be able to do it better in Hawaii.By the way, I still own that angora kitten: the only reminder of that "sweet sixteen" party so long ago. Do you believe in fate?
True love
It all started when I was 15yrs old,when my eyes met my true love, from the first time I layed my eyes on him I new he would be the one I would be with forever, we were high school sweet hearts when this love story began, he was the one who inspired me to be myself and not get caught up with what others wanted me to be like, he was and is my Prince Charming, after dating for three years, we got engaged, and were married, when we married budget was very small, we had a nice small wedding with no honey moon, on are wedding night he asked me when i'm able to afford to take you somewhere for a honey moon where would you like to go, as I answered right away HAWAII, it's the most magical and romantic place of all, as we are coming up to are ten year anniversary next year, my husband tells me he'll try his best to make sure we get there, but after all these years together, and now that we have three lovely little girls, he works so hard to support us he says we are the four most important women in his life, and he trys giving us the world daily, he puts in up to 60 hours a week in to support us and to make sure we get this we need and want. I would like to give him something very special in return, a big thank you for being that special person in my life, for being the wonderful care giver that he is, and just to tell him how much I love him..He is and will always be my true love...
The first and last one
The first time I saw Anny, she caught me with her beautiful exotic-Caribbean look. She was this nervous new employee at Miami International Airport. She was assigned to the farer store inside the airport. One day, Anny took her lunch and passed by my store; she wanted to buy something for her headache. I helped her to find the Tylenol pills she was looking. She asked me for my name and when I looked at her in the eyes, I became speechless. For a moment, I believed I was in front of the queen of the world. I had so many strange emotions that I can barely explain. After taking the biggest breath of my life, I answer "Yur…. Yu… Yury". Anny thanked me and walked away with the most gorgeous smile I've ever witnessed. Some days passed and I couldn't stop thinking of Anny, so I decided to look at my boss' agenda and secretly copy Anny's phone number in the palm of my hand. When I went back to my cash machine, Anny was standing by it waiting for me. After greeting each other and making some jokes, Anny realized I got something written on my hand. She grabbed my hand and opened it. I almost die. "Why do you have my number? And how did you get it?"… she asked seriously. I inhale "I…I…got it from my boss agenda" I replied. She said she was going to talk to my boss because that was personal information. I said I was sorry for taking her number and she just looked at me with her eye, with those beautiful eyes and said laughing "next time, make sure to ask me for my phone number, that way I'd have another chance to see you and not just pretend I need Tylenols". We both laughed for about five minutes.The same Friday we went on a date. We wanted to make it simple and casual because we were both 19 years old. After some months of getting to know each other and realize how much we shared in common, we stated having the most loving relationship. Three, five, six and seven months passed faster than ever, until one day, one of our managers saw us holding hands inside the airport. Anny was immediately fired. She looked for other job positions but Miami was so full of people, her rent was so high and her school payments were so expensive that she decided to move to Tampa, where her mom and sister were. I was heart broken. I stayed in Miami for eight months, praying that one day we could save all the money and move together. Almost a year passed when one afternoon Anny surprised me at my door saying her mom and her have bought a house and that I was very much needed and wanted there. I didn't even think about it twice; I packed and we moved the next day. Three years have passed since we mved to Tampa. We are still together, very much in love and still dreaming that one day, soon, we could go to Hawaii and celebrate all the time we stayed on the phone day dreaming… "don't worry, we'll go to Hawaii one day, maybe when I graduate" she says. This year I promised her we'll go to Hawaii; "How?" she asked, "Trust me" I replied and started writing my own story.
My ex boyfriend
(The Saddest True Story Ever Told By A 12 Year Old.)Me and my boyfriend were perfect together.We always got the best of eachother.His name was Steven.Ourrelationship went on for 116 days until july 25,2005(trust me ive been counting).I think it was all my faultin the first place.I meen i should have never thought about anything.This is how my story goes:(this is thebeginning)Me and steven were good friends in 5th grade until the middle of that school year.My best friend Emily knewhow much i loved him,and she talked to him a couple times and found out that he liked me alot.So like bestfriends,she said she'd get him to go out with me.So at my house she called him.But she said she was at herhouse.We had a plan.i would listen to the whole conversation to see if he liked me or not.Guess what,HE DID!!So i banged on a peice of cardbord to make steven think that someone was at emilys door.Emily started to tellsteven that i was there and he FLIPPED!emily told him to ask me out so he did,i said yes,and we were bothVERY happy.Until one day at Rock St. pool that i seen my ex boyfriend. he wanted to go back out with me.itried to say no but he made a point.for the past 6 months before the pool party,i have not seen steven ortalked to him.only like 5 or 6 times and somtimes at school and wen i got with him on the phone he was alwaysbusy.So when mark a!asked me on the phone the next day i just couldnt help myself.Mark said he loved me,said i was smart,hot andso on.So after i got off the phone with him,i had to call steven to end it between us.I didnt want to but ihad to.Both of us started to cry because we didnt want it to be over.But i thought steven was cheating onme,but he wasn tand after i said that i dumped him i coudnt take those words back.I still feel guilty aboutit.I know he didnt deserve to be treated like that.But wat was i ganna do?Now today is Saturday September24,2005 and steven still hates my guts.All of my friends try to talk to him and tell him how sorry i am butit doesnt work.im losing hope.Steven was my world and all i have left of it is a stuffed monkey,stevenshoody,his jelly braclets,a paper rose and seven notes he wrote to me in school and his picture.Everything hasfallen apart and i want steven to fix it.I love steven so much.i cry at night listening to "we belongtogether"on the radio by ma!riah carey,wondering why im so stupid and why im a worthless n! othing.Icant find anyone else because steven was the perfect person for me.Th is may seen to you like some stupidfantasy that a stupid 11 and a half year old wrote but i want everyone who reads this to help me!!! I triedto listen to my heart and it said he was a cheater but i guess i was wrong.All i ask is a simple favor,pleeztalk to him,email him ,tellhim how much i care.If it takes the whole world to make him believe me thats watill do.Thank you everyone and godbless.
Returned to my childhood sweetheart
My earliest memory of Alfred is watching him coach my brother with his batting. We played Red Rover, Blind Man's Bluff, Kick the Tin Can, and Hide and Seek in my front yard. Alfred remembers me riding him piggyback. We were neighbors for five years in the early fifties until my family moved again. I missed Alfred. He was a senior; the most handsome guy on campus! During TWIRP week my sophomore year, I asked him out. Four days later we were going steady. We drifted apart after he went off to college and I became involved in the Red Hussar Corps. He married somebody he met while working at the local swimming pool. I married a guy from the new neighborhood.April of 2001, I moved to Honolulu and worked as a school nurse. A knee injury was why I moved back to Texas. A friend of mine convinced me to move back home. Within six weeks of my move, a classmate came to help me unpack. When I learned that she lived in Port Neches, I asked her, "Do you know Alfred Hebert?" She not only knew him, she lived four houses down from him! Their children grew up together. She said his wife had died. I said, "I'll give him time to grieve and then contact him." I also told her that in late 2001, I called Alfred from Hawaii. I contact people when their name comes to my mind or I pray for them. Of course, I was curious if he were single again! Sadly he was still married but he remembered me and asked about my brother. Later I learned, although he was faithful to his wife, he often thought about me. The end of July 2005, while addressing cards to friends in Hawaii, I found one that read, "Just Wanted You To Know." I used it to contact Alfred. On July 30th, he called me. He had been in Austin training for the Triathlon and had me on his mind! When he got home there was my card. He spent two hours reading love poems in my website. I learned he did underwater photography. That intrigued me since I was a photographer while in college. He invited me over for the next afternoon. We have been together every day since. Alfred asked me if I thought I could live the rest of his retirement years with him. I said, "Yes!" He told me that my phone call to him from Hawaii stayed on his mind. A neighbor had tried to set him up with a friend of hers. He told her that he was working on it. In Alfred's own words to me, "I willed you back into my life. I waited for you."
Only love
It's a cold February night. People are bustling through the streets, either pulling up their coat collars or wrapping scarves around their necks, trying to stay warm. It's so cold today.I'm standing at my window, looking at the people moving like little dots. Standing in a heated room, I'm beginning to pity those people. Why don't they go home? Do they plan on wandering until morning? "Almost time to go home! My boyfriend must be going crazy." One of the nurses breathe a sign of relief. "Still needs to work overtime on Valentine's Day. It's so unfair!" "You are fortunate." Another nurse says. "Some people don't have anyone waiting for them." "You mean Dr. Shu?" Like Sherlock Holmes, my ears perk up when I hear my name. "Do you remember how she lost control on this day last year?" "Of course I do." A nurse shudders. "I've never seen Dr. Shu like that. Crying and yelling, like she was crazy." They are talking about how I was last year. They are correct. I was out of control, like they said. "You can't blame Dr. Shu. If my boyfriend died in front of my eyes, I would probably go crazy as well." "Keep it down. She hasn't left work yet. She might hear you." The two nurses are too late. I heard the entire conversation through the canvas wall. "Dr. Shu, what are you doing standing here?" Just as I was deciding whether or not to reveal myself, another nurse exposed me. I awkwardly step out. The 2 nurses who discussed me start to blush. Their faces became redder than the bow on Valentine's Day chocolates. "I'm waiting to go home." I pretend that I didn't hear anything. "Dr. Shu, you must have gotten too involved in your work. It's already past time to go home. See you tomorrow. Happy Valentine's Day!" She waves goodbye. "Happy Valentine's Day." I wave back and watch the 2 nurses hurry away. That's fine. I was ready to go home anyway. Even though no lover is waiting for me, at least there's a lazy cat waiting for me to feed. After I come home, the first thing I do is feed the cat. I forgot when I first had the cat. Probably since last year's Valentine's Day. At that time, I was like an abandoned cat, with eyes filled with despair. Cats don't cry, I do. That's the only difference. "Better drink all the milk or I'll skin you." I threatened the cat. Her name is Christine, my least favorite English name. I don't know why I named the cat Christine. Christine meowed once to let me know she heard me, but her eyes are complaining about my severity. Her eyes remind me of someone I used to know, standing in front of me with eyes of rebellions. An year ago today, I had lunch with my boyfriend and took the opportunity to complain to him. "Today is Valentine's Day. Why didn't you give me any flowers?" He raised his eyebrow. "Why should I give you flowers? You are not my anyone." "Then... you should at least give me a card!" I pouted my lips, hurt by his tone. "I know, I know. After lunch, I'll send you an e-card." E-card. That sounds so impersonal, but that's the way he is. "You have to e-mail it to me. I'll be waiting." I excitedly smiled and planned to sneak home after lunch to check e-mail. Even though he wouldn't use any romantic words, I still looked forward to the card. "I can't stand you women. Why do you make such a big deal out of Valentine's Day??" He grumbled while eating his food. His comment induced me to fight with him again. "You are not romantic at all!! Don't you watch any Japanese drama?" "Japanese drama? I only watch Discovery Channel." "Your life is so boring." I made a face at him. "One recent drama was really good. You should have watched it." "What's that drama called?" He didn't believe in the love portrayed in TV and movies. He always thought they were lies. "It's called 'Story of A Century'." I gladly answered. "What kind of trashy plot did it have?" "What do you mean trash?? Show some respect!" I was so angry. "That drama was very touching, and the theme song was beautiful as well. It's called 'Only Love', performed by Nana Mouskouri." I wonder if he knew who Nana was. "Nana, I know her. A Greek singer with really expensive albums." "Her voice is worth it." Even though I secretly agreed with him, I couldn't bring myself to admit it. "Whatever." He glanced at his watch. "I'll give you 5 minutes to tell me the plot. After that, I'm leaving." I tried hard to explain 6 hours worth of story in just 5 minutes. The drama portrayed the love stories of 3 generations of women spanning 100 years, from 1901 to 2000. Each generation was portrayed by the same actress. The story was tear-jerking. "What's so touching about it?" He asked, after listening to the story. "Don't you think each generation's story is wonderful? If I have such great screen writing ability, I wouldn't be a doctor anymore. I would become a screenwriter." "If you become a screenwriter, I bet no one would watch the show. The TV station can go out of business." He quickly interjected. "I'm going back to work. Hurry and send me the card!" I was so mad that I went home immediately, not even finishing my coffee. As soon as I walked in my door, I turned on my computer and go online. Staring at the empty in-box, I began to reminisce about how we met. Maybe no one will believe me, but my boyfriend and I were actually neighbors. Our homes were only 1 wall away. Ever since we were kids, we liked to fight with each other all day long. I still remember when I moved to the country that year. Used to the city life, I couldn't get used to the simple life in the country. After school, I would just go home and do nothing. Whenever that happened, he would always come over to tease me. "Why are you staring off into space??" He loved to pull on my hair. "You're so ugly when you're doing nothing. But you're also not pretty when you smile." In other words, I'm really ugly. "You're the one who's ugly!" I pull back my hair. "If you think I'm so ugly, why do you visit me??" "Can't help it. My home is right next to your home." He argued. "Then I'll move!" The next day, I drew a line in the ground using some white chalk. A line that I forbid him to cross. That year, we were both in the 5th grade. We couldn't stand each other and hoped the other would move away. But 5 years passed, and neither of us moved. Not only that, we got into the same high school and into the same class. "You're that infamous couple." All the students and teachers in the school would say whenever they saw us. "We're not!" I always tried to explain. "We're only neighbors." At that time, I hated my parents for making us live next to him. "My standard is not that low." He would say. "Who wants her to be a girlfriend?? It's not like I don't have eyes." "Yes, I know your eyes are on top of your head." I really disliked him. "Better than having eyes on the bottom of my head like you." He implied that I couldn't judge guys. At that time, I had a crush on a senior. I didn't think that his sarcasm had a hidden meaning. After a while, I found out that the senior student had lots of girlfriends. When I cried about it, he silently passed me a handkerchief and awkwardly held me in his arms. "I told you he wasn't any good." He roughly comforted me. I cried in his arms the whole night, and began to see him in a different way. Things began to change between us. We still fought all the time, but he started to look at me differently. And I blushed and my heart beat faster when he was near. We both knew: we fell in love with each other. Even with this knowledge, neither of us said anything. Even though we would not be able to resist and kissed each other constantly. Even though we cared about each other's every moves. Both of us refused to admit our love. Time flew by quickly, and it was time to face separation. I chose to study medicine, and he chose physics. Yet we still couldn't separate from each other. Our parents worried that we didn't know anyone in Taipei, so they forced us to live in the same apartment building. Once again, we became neighbors. We still fought, but sometimes we fought into the bedroom. Alright, we became lovers, but we still wouldn't say we loved each other. We didn't even spend Valentine's Day together until he saw me share dinner with a man one Valentine's Day. That night, he waited for me in front of my door and said that he would take me out to dinner on Valentine's Day from then on. I have to say that he was very arrogant. But I nodded and accepted his request. Since then, we spent every Valentine's Day together. After graduation, I became an intern. He started a small computer company with some friends and became a programmer. We were busy with our own lives and had no time for a relationship. Three years later, I became a doctor, and his business began to boom. We separately moved to bigger apartments and stopped being neighbors. On the surface, we left each other. In reality, we were still together. We spent every Valentine's Day together but each year became more dreary than the next because he never told me he loved me even with all my hints. Facing the empty in-box, I suddenly grew very angry. He wouldn't say it and wouldn't send me a card. What did he mean? Who did he think I was? I called his cell phone. "Hello." He picked up the phone. "I didn't receive the card." I immediately showed my displeasure. "You didn't receive it?" He seemed really busy. "But I sent it." He was really busy but I didn't care. "I didn't receive it. Send it again." "Okay, I'll send you 100 times. Is that good enough??" He said with impatience. His tone further infuriated me. Is that how lovers speak to each other? "Don't bother sending it to me. And you don't have to pick me up tonight. I'll eat dinner by myself." "Don't be childish, ok? I'm really busy." "I AM childish!" I hung up the phone and tears rolled down my cheeks. Childish?? Why didn't he consider the situation? We've gone out for so many years and spent countless Valentine's Day together. I never received any flowers nor cards from him. Now, I just want a little e-card. Is that too much to ask for?? I unplugged the phone from the wall and turned off my cell phone. I didn't want to hear his explanations. After I returned to the hospital, I instructed the receptionist not to forward me any phone calls. I wanted to concentrate on work. Because there were so many emergencies today, I was sweating 1 hour later and forgot about our argument. "Dr. Shu, please take a look at that patient." As I was collecting my equipment, the shrill sound of an ambulance sounded outside the ER. When I stepped out the door, the emergency medics hurriedly wheeled in a gurney. "What happened to him?" I asked the 1st medic. Everyone else were trying to help put the patient on the gurney. He was covered with blood. "Car accident." The medic replied. "Very serious. He may die." I nodded and ran to the operating room with them. When I arrived, the nurses told me that the man had already stopped breathing and also his heartbeat also stopped "Prepare for shock." I calmly instructed the nurses. Saving people is our duty. We can't lose our calm. But when I saw who laid on the operating table, I lost my calm. That person was my boyfriend! "No..." I stood in shock. "NO!!!" I grabbed the paddles and continuously shocked his body. His body bounced up and down from the shocks. The scared nurses went to find another doctor, to tell him that I was crazy. I didn't know if I was crazy or not. I just wanted to save my lover. Even though we fought all the time. Even though he never showed me his love. I still wanted to save him. He still owed me a card. He couldn't die! I threw away the paddles and began to press on his heart. I pressed with all my strength, hoping it would revive him, but he didn't wake up. He didn't even say "It hurts". He just laid there with his eyes closed, punishing me with his silence. Dr. Jian angrily pushed me away. By that time, I couldn't see clearly anymore. I cried. I wailed. I bowled until no sounds could come out of my mouth. "It's too late, Dr. Shu. He's already dead. I'm sorry." Dr. Jian patted me on the shoulder. They knew each other and ate together once. I introduced them. "He can't die." I shook my head. "He can't die!!" I struggled to run to him. "Dr. Shu, control yourself!" Dr. Jian slapped me. "I understand what you're going through, but you're a doctor." Yes, I'm a doctor, but I'm also a regular person. How can Dr. Jian understand how I feel? I've loved him for so many years that it's become a habit. How can I just throw away a habit? Besides, he still owed me a card. "I want him to live! I want him to live!" I ran to him again and tried to knock the life back into his body. "Take her away!" That day, I lost my control and my professionalism. And that day happened to be Valentine's Day. Afterwards, I asked his co-workers why he left work early that day. They told me that after I hung up the phone, he tried to call me several times but couldn't reach me. Worried, he drove to the hospital to find me and got hit by a large truck on the way. When I heard this, I froze. My tantrum killed him. Just because of an unmailed card, he died. After that, I lost my privilege to be childish. Like an abandoned cat, I couldn't even cry anymore. After his death, I couldn't cry anymore, regardless of how touching the plot or how tear-jerking the dialogue. They didn't affect me anymore. Now, I'm only left with a cat and a seldomly used computer. Stepping over the cat, I turned on the computer. Even though I know no one will send me a mail, I still hoped that someone will remember me on this day. Meow, meow. I looked at Christine to see what's wrong. She finished her milk. I went into the kitchen to get her more milk then came back to look at the computer screen. I have.... 100 emails! Who would be bored enough to send me 100 junk mail? I was just about to delete them all when I received another mail, and this one said: "Because of system error, we could not send these until today. We apologize for the delay." The sender was my ISP. I looked at the 1st mail. It showed the send date is last year's Valentine's Day. My heart began to beat fast. Could he have sent these? With a trembling hand, I opened the mail. The first thing that popped up was a gorgeous red rose set against green leaves. Then a beautiful melody began to play.... "Only Love". I couldn't believe it. The rose was so beautiful and the music was so dreamy. I almost thought I was in a fantasy. Most touching of all were the words underneath the rose, because the words read like a beautiful poem. "Hwei." That's my name. "Knowing you so many years, I've never sent you any flowers. Today I send you a rose." I received it and it's so beautiful. "You know we are always fighting. We can never really open our hearts and tell each other how we feel." Yes, but it's all your fault for being so distant. "I know I always make you mad by the things I say." Good that you're admitting it. "But today I want to say to you: I'm sorry, and I love you." I waited so many years for those words. "And I want to tell you a good news. I finally saved enough money." You already have enough money. Why did you need so much? "So Hwei, let's get married!! I was afraid to propose to you, because I didn't trust in my ability to give you the good life you deserve. But now I've saved enough money so we don't have to wait anymore." Who wanted you to wait? I'm already yours. "Today, I use this card to propose to you. Will you marry me, Hwei? Will you?" That's the content of the whole card. Like a fool, I kept reading his words and talking to him. It's like I can hear his voice and see him again. As if it's back to 1 year ago with us constantly fighting. The song played over and over. Repeating Nana's heartbreaking voice. Only love can make a memory. Only love can make a moment last. You were there and all the world was young and all it's songs unsung. and I remember you then when love was all, all you were living for, and how you gave that love to me...." The lyrics of this song fits our love so closely. When he was alive, my world was so young. Every day, I could find a something different to fight with him about. But after he left, my life is only left with memories and coldness that will never go away. "Will you marry me?" When I read these words, my tears unconsciously came, wetting the keyboard. Will I? If he's in front of me, I will definitely kick him and call him a big fool. If I wasn't willing, I wouldn't have waited until today. So I moved the cursor over the "Reply" box, and typed the response that I've already prepared for so many years - "I will." I will - be by his side for the rest of my life. I will - fight with him forever. That is how I answered him, but the only response I got was the repeating song "Only Love." Nevertheless, I opened every single letter, accepted every singled rose, and typed the same response: "I will." I replied 100 times, and "Only Love" played 100 times. In this cold Valentine's night, the line that's been broken for 1 year finally got reconnected. I answered you. What about you?
My best friend
Was it fate that brought us together or our hearts that loved each other? We met and my heart skipped a beat. I knew you were the one from the beginning. As your eyes glanced my way I felt a sudden rush of excitement. As you walked my way everyone in the room disappeared. Your eyes mesmerized me into a world like no other. As you took my number that night I remember thinking I hope he calls, I know this is the one. Our first date you cried during the movie and I felt such a strong bond towards you. You treated me as though I was your first date and I felt as though I was the luckiest girl in the room. We went from dating to mariage to having two beautiful children and I am still the luckiest girl in the room. First love is meant to last and after five years you are sill the one who tells me you love me and kisses me goodnight. There have been many first loves and Hawaii is a place where first love feelings can be rekindled. I have loved you from our first meeting and will always love you because you are my husband, our childrens father, my best friend, and most of all, MY FIRST LOVE. Love you always and forever, Jess
I love you
I have a boyfriend who grew up with me. His name is Jin. I always thought of him as a friend until last year, when we went to a trip from a club. I found that I fell in love with him.Before that trip was over, I took a step and confessed my love for him. And soon, we became a pair of lovers, but we loved each other in different ways. I always concentrated on him only, but by his side, there were so many other girls. To me, he was the only one, but to him, maybe I was just another girl… “Jin, do you want to go watch a movie?” I asked. “I can’t” “Why? You need to study at home?” I felt disappointment grabbing me. “No… I am going to meet a friend…” He was always like that. He met girls in front of me, like it was nothing. To him, I was just a girlfriend. The word ‘love’ only came out from my mouth. Since I knew him, I had never heard him say ‘I love you’ before. To us, there weren’t any anniversaries at all. He didn’t say anything from the first day and it continued till 100 days…200days… Everyday, before we say goodbye, he would just hand me a doll, everyday, without fail. I don’t know why…Then one day… Me: Um, Jin, I … Jin: What…don’t drag, just say.. Me: I love you. Jin: ……you….um, just take this doll and go home. That was how he ignored my ‘three words’ and handed me the doll. Then he disappeared, like he was running away. The dolls I received from him everyday, filled my room, one by one. There were many… Then one day came, my 15th year old birthday. When I got up in the morning, I pictured a party with him, and stranded myself in my room, waiting for his call. But… lunch passed, dinner passed… and soon the sky was dark… he still didn’t call. It was already tiring to look at the phone anymore. Then around 2am in the morning, he suddenly called me and woke me from my sleep. He told me to come out of the house. Still, I felt joy and I ran out happily. Me: Jin… Jin: Here…take this… Again, he handed me a little doll. Me: What’s this? Jin: I didn’t give it to you yesterday, so I am giving it to you now. I’m going home now, bye. Me: Wait, wait! Do you know what today is? Jin: Today? Huh? I felt so sad, I thought he would remember my birthday. He turned around and walked away like nothing had happen.Then I shouted… “Wait…” Jin: You have something to say? Me: Tell me, tell me you love me… Jin: What?! Me: Tell me I put my pathetic self behind and clung on to him. But he just said simple cold words and left. “I don’t want to say…that I love someone so easily, if you are desperate to hear it, then find someone else.” That was what he said. Then he ran off. My legs felt numb… and I collapsed to the ground. He didn’t want to say it easily… How could he…. I felt that… Maybe he is not the right guy for me… After that day, I stranded myself at home crying, just crying. He didn’t call me, although I was waiting. He just continued handing me a little doll every morning outside my house. That’s how those dolls piled up in my room… everyday After a month, I got myself together and went to school. But what made the pain resurface was that… I saw him on a street… with another girl… He had a smile on his face, one that he never showed me…as he touched the doll… I ran straight back home and looked at the dolls in my room, and tears fell… Why did he gave these to me… Those dolls are probably picked out by some other girls…In a fit of anger, I threw the dolls around. Then suddenly, the phone rang. It was him. He told me to come out to the bus stop outside my house. I tried to calm myself down and walked to the bus stop. I kept reminding myself that I am going to forget him, that… it’s going to end. Then he came into my sight, holding a big doll. Jin: Jo, I thought you were pissed, you really came? I couldn’t help hating him, acting like nothing had happen and joking around. Soon, he held out the doll as usual… Me: I don’t need it. Jin: What….why… I grabbed the doll from his hands and threw it on the road. Me: I don’t need this doll, I don’t need it anymore!! I don’t want to see a person like you again! I spitted out all the words that were inside me. But unlike other days, his eyes very shaking. “I’m sorry” He apologized in a tiny voice. He then walked over to the road to pick up the doll… Me: You stupid! Why are you picking up the doll?! Just throw it away!!! But he ignored me and just went to pick the doll. Then… Honk~ Honk~ With a loud honk, a big truck was heading towards him. “Jin! Move! Move away!” I shouted… But he didn’t hear me, he squatted down and picked up the doll. “Jin, move!” HONK~!! “Boom!” That sound, so terrifying. That’s how he went away from me. That’s how he went away without even opening his eyes to say one word to me. After that day, I had to go through everyday with guiltiness and the sadness of losing him… And after spending two months like a crazy person… I took out the dolls. Those were the only gifts he left me since the day we started going out. I remembered the days I spent with him and started to count the days… when we were in love… “One…two… three…” That was how… I started to count the dolls… “Four hundred and eighty four… four hundred and eighty five…” It all ended with 485 dolls. I then started to cry again, with a doll in my arms. I hugged it tightly, then suddenly… “I love you~, I love you~” I dropped the dolls,shocked. “I….lo..ve…you??” I picked up the dolls and pressed its stomach. “I love you~ I love you~” It can’t be! I pressed all the dolls’ stomach as it piled on the side. “I love you~” “I love you~” “I love you~” Those words came out non-stop. I…love you… Why didn’t I realize that….That his heart was always by my side, protecting me. Why didn’t I realize that he love me this much… I took out the doll under the bed and pressed it’s stomach, that was the last doll, the one that fell on the road. It had his blood stain on it. The voice came out, the on that I was missing so much… “Jo…Do you know what today is? We’ve been loving each other for 486 days. Do you know what 486 is? I couldn’t say I love you…. Um… since I was too shy… If you forgive me and take this doll, I will say that I love you… everyday… till I die… Jo… I love you…” The tears came flowing out of me. Why? Why? I asked god, why do I only know about all this now? He can’t be by my side, but he loved me until his last minute… For that… and for that reason… to me… it became courage… to live a beautiful life….
Unconditional love
My story starts about 25 years ago. My mothers best friend since she was five years old and the only person she trusted more than anything on this earth.. my father. After spending 26 years together they had gotten married and had two children with a third on the way. My father whom then choose a life of sin, in the military and never home, he pursued other women (mothers best friend)and left my mother with NO JOB, three kids and a morgage and a broken heart. Gathering every little drop of strength she had to keep her family going she took as many jobs as she could to pay the many bills that piled up over the months of unemployment. Never asking for assistance from ANYONE not even the government because she had to much pride, she eventually lost her battle and had to sell the home. We moved in with my grandparents were she took care of them through many years of illiness until they passed leaving behind there debt in which she had to pay off and is still paying on. Shortly after the passing of my grandparents, her brother-in-laws mother had fallen ill. Of course being the caregiver she is, she bathed her, feed her and read her stories and exercised her every day until she passed. My aunt then shortly passed away of a massive heart attack but a few months later and at the age 54. So, my mother since then has been taking care of my uncle (her brother) and his kids for the last 5 years. She has never gone on a vacation for herself.. let alone left the state.. She is the worlds most loving, caring and understanding individual and I along with my brother and sister would love nothing more then to be able to give her a piece of mind and send her to the most beautiful place in the world, HAWAII - Because she is truly the most beautiful person in this world and it is only right.. Please vote for MY MOM..
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