My Valentine

As I write this blog, a dozen beautiful long-stemmed red roses adorn the table along with a funny valentine and a box of assorted chocolates!  How amazing that I have been granted another lovely day to celebrate this occasion with my love!
Even though I am reminded that the same Valentine's day, 2010 was during the peak of Lee's illness, we were still able to celebrate @ Forsyth hospital with the help of our son, Todd and daughter-in-law, Donna.

At that time, Lee was still struggling to breathe and to walk, and neither of us felt he was up to a celebration.  When I arrived at the hospital that afternoon, there was a vase filled with a dozen red roses, accompanied with a huge card from Lee.  The room had been rearranged by the staff with the removal of the second bed to accommodate a table that had been covered with a red tablecloth.  Todd Donna arrived with bags of food from our favorite Italian restaurant, "Macaroni Grill".

With the help of the nurses and physical therapists, lee was moved from the bed to the table where the two of us were given a candlelight dinner.  I believe the staff shed a few tears that day, along with the two of us.  I have to admit, that even as I write, my eyes are not dry.

Daughter Julia had sent a special Valentine's day booklet filled with pictures of home.  It was indeed, a lovely Valentine's day in spite of the sadness surrounding Lee's illness.

So, today, we are celebrating another year of our love and commitment to each other.  It is a very good Valentine's day.  Lee is stronger and the best he has been since the transplant.  My gratitude is boundless and my cup overflows!

I noticed the daffodils beginning to bloom along the roadways and in scattered places among the countryside.  They have a special meaning to us, a story I will share on the next blog.

More Later........................................Brenda