LOVE'S YEARLY MESSAGES by Christopher L. Mitchell

Love's Yearly Messages

By

Robert Price

The old man sit in his armchair on a long summer’s day in August. Time for him was a long one and throughout his entire life he had witness horrid things, wonderful things. He was now all alone. His wife Martha had sadly passed somewhat three years back in January. There was never a day when he didn’t think of her. Every Christmas, Birthday, Valentines, anniversary and date when she passed he would write a letter to her. After the letter was written, he would burn it and then scatter the ashes into a wind so that she would receive the messages in heaven.

The last of the year messages. Not in order.

Birthday: ‘Happy birthday my love. Oh, what an age you would have been. 23 again, oh you are a lucky one my love. You always have been. Have a sweet day in the heavens. I and the rest of the family are having a cake in your honour. I hope you are good and that the almighty angels are taking care of you. I will see you again one day my love. Love, Harold xxx’

Christmas: ‘Well, another brilliant Christmas my love. The family still come over and Melissa helps me prepare the dinner. It still does not feel the same without you my love. We all miss you and always pray that god is keeping you safe. Merry Christmas my beautiful one. Love, Harold xxx’

Valentines: ‘I love you my one and only. You are the one and always was the one for me. You stole my heart with your beauty and I have never looked back. My heart will always be yours forever and always. And it shall always be. Happy valentine’s sweetheart. Love, Harold xxx’

Anniversary: ‘When I took my first glimpse at your beauty I was instantly hooked. I was like an addict. You were the only that was running through my head morning, noon and night. This year would have been our 50th year married. I do so wish you were here so we could celebrate. You are my love, my angel. I love you, Harold’

Death: ‘They stole you from me right then and there. I have never been able to cope with the passing of you. I hope that soon I will be able to be with you again. Remember when you use to speak of the stars? Well, when it is my turn, we shall dance among the stars together. Love, Harold.’

After finishing his years writing, he went and boiled the kettle. After the tea was made, he went back to his armchair, sat down and began to drink. He then gazed over to the chair opposite. This was Martha’s seat. A small tear dripped down from his right eye. He smiled and to himself and softly blew a kiss over to the chair. ‘Soon my love, soon.’

As soon as he finished his tea, he took out a small note pad from within his pocket, got a pen and started to scribble on it.

One day Melissa, daughter of Martha and Harold went to visit her father. He had not been feeling too well lately, so she thought it would be a good idea to get him a couple of things from the shopping centre. When she got to the door, she noticed it was unlocked. So, so went inside and into the living room. She thought her father was sleeping, but soon found out he wasn’t when her trying to wake him failed. He had sadly passed away in his sleep. His eyes were closed and he was smiling. He was happy. After trying to wipe away her tears from her eyes, she noticed something. On the floor had dropped a note pad and pen. She picked it up and looked at was scribbled on it. This was Harold’s last message.

'I have had a wonderful life and have created a wonderful family. I could not ask for anything other. But, my time is near and it is at last time for me to join my wife in the heavens. Do not cry for me, I am now with your mother. It is my time.'

"The course of true love will never die.

What matters now is just you and I.

I hope you are happy there in the sky.

For I will soon meet you when it is my time to fly."

Melissa smiled, got a blanket from one of the baskets in the hallway, covered her dad's body with it and kissed him goodbye.

She then went over to the phone next to her and dialled the number.