Can it really be sixty-two years ago that I first saw you?
It is truly a lifetime, I know. But as I gaze into your eyes now, it seems like only yesterday
that I first saw you, in that small cafe in Hanover Square.
From the moment I saw you smile, as you opened the door for that young mother and her newborn
baby, I knew that I wanted to share the rest of my life with you.
I still think of how foolish I must have looked, as I gazed at you, that first time. I remember
watching you intently, as you took off your hat and loosely shook your short dark hair with your
fingers. I felt myself becoming immersed in your every detail, as you placed your hat on the table
and cupped your hands around the hot cup of tea, gently blowing the steam away with your pouted
lips.
From that moment, everything seemed to make perfect sense to me. The people in the cafe and the
busy street outside all desappeared into a hazy blur. All I could see was you.
All through my life I have relived that very first day. Many, many times I have sat and thought
about that the first day, and how for a few fleeting moments I am there, feeling again what is
like to know true love for the very first time. It pleases me that I can still have those feeling
now after all those years, and I know I will always have them to comfort me.
Not even as I shook and trembled uncontrollably in the trenches, did I forget your face. I would
sit huddled into the wet mud, terrified, as the hails of bullets and mortars crashed down around
me. I would cluth my rifle tightly to my heart, and think again of that very first day we mer. I
would cry out in fear, as the noise of war beat down around me. But, as I thought of you and
saw you smiling back at me, everything around me woould become silent, and I would be with you
again for a few precious moments, far from the death and destruction. It would not be until I
opened my eyes once again, that I would see and hear the carnage of the war aroound me.
I cannot tell you how strong my love for you was back then, when I returned to you on leave in
the September, feeling battered, bruised and fragile. We held each other so tight I thought we
would burst. I asked you to marry me the very same day and I whooped with joy when you looked
deep into my eyes and said "yes" to being my bride.
I'm looking at our wedding photo now, the one on our dressing table, next to your jeweler box. I
think of how young and innocent we were back then. I rembember being on the church steps grinning
like a Cheshire cat, when you said how dashing and handsome I looked in my uniform. The photo is
old and faded now, but when I look at it, I only see the bright vibrant colors of our youth. I can
still remember every detail of the pretty wedding dress your mother mede for you, with its fine
delicate lace and pretty pearls. If I concentrate hard enough, I can smell the sweetness of your
wedding bouquet as you held it so proudly for everyone to see.
I remember being so over enjoyed, when a year laterm you gently held my hand to your waist and
whipered in my ear that we were going to be a family.
I know both our childen love you dearly; they are outside the door now, waiting.
Do you remember how I panicked like a mad man when Jonathon was born? I can still picture your
laughing and smiling at me now, as I clumsily held him for the very first time in my arms. I watched
as your laughter faded into tears, as I stared at him and cried my own tears of joy.
Sarah and Tom arrived this morning with little Tessie. Can you remember how we both hugged each
other tightly when we saw our tiny granddaughter for the firsr time? I can't believe she will be
eight next month. I am trying not cry, my love, as I tell you how beautiful dhe looks today in her
pretty dress and red shiny shoes, she reminds me so much of you the first day we met. She had her
hair cut short now, just like your was all those years ago. When I met her at the door her smile
wrapped around me like a warm glove, just like your used to do, my darling.
I know your are tried, my dear, and I must let you go. But I love you so much and it hurts to do so.
As we grew old together, I would tease you that you had not changed since we first met. But it is
true, my darling. I do not see the wrinkles and grey hair that other people see. When I look at you
now, I only see your sweet tender lips and youthful sparking eyes as we sat and had out first picnic
next to that small stream, and chased each other around that big old oak tree. I remember wishing
those first few days together woould last forever. Do you remember how exciting and wonderful those
days were?
I must go now, my darling. Our children are waiting outside. They want to say goodbye to you.
I wipe the tears away from my eyes and bend my frail old legs down to the floor, so that I can
kneel beside you. I lean close to you and take hold of your hand and kiss your tender lips for the
very time.
Sleep peacefully my dear.
I am sad that you had to leave me, but please don't worry. I am content, knowing I will be with you
soon. I am too old and too empty now to live much longer without you.
I know it won't be long before we meet again in the small cafe in Hanover Saure.
Goodbye, my darling wife.