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