true love

When I first met her she was young and bright eyed, blond hair, full of curiosity, and the smile she gave me out shown the sun. I think I fell in love with her at that very first moment and I have never stopped.

Now I am old, fading, and more often than not she takes care of me - rather than the other way around as it used to be. But every time she looks at me I can see she loves me still, even though I sometimes catch her with tears in her eyes that I may someday be gone before her. She smiles through the tears, touches my cheek, holds me close every night and we wake together in the morning.

But I have jumped way ahead of my story and our unending affection would not make sense without a beginning...

So there she was standing by the car, sun shining through her hair, laughter in her eyes and an instant hug for me, of such genuine kind affection that I knew it had changed me forever. I knew she had other friends and confidants - naturally but in my quiet way I always made sure I was close by. If she wanted to talk, share a story, sit in the sunshine for a picnic, and sometimes even for a shoulder to cry on. Not that she was a weepy sort, but when it built up ... the hoover dam saw less water! She would always apologize and I would have a handkerchief at the ready, I used to wear a bandana around my neck back then. With her watery blue eyes she would slowly lift her head and start to smile again, looking into my deep brown ones.

I recall one unfortunate summer where she decided to learn guitar and my poor ears were the recipient of her recitals, the only thing worse was her playing the flute. But when my lady danced ... she soared! She would practice for hours and show up at my door tired, sore, but positively glowing, as if her heart had wings.

There were many simple quiet times too where we would just sit and read together, snuggle in front of the t.v., or watch a scary movie. She isn't very fond of those but I like them because she always holds me closer. (probably best not to share that with the guys)

The attachment that started so lightly has built steadily over the years until it is a part of my every day life I couldn't imagine any other way. Sure, she has gotten mad at me before, but never with me - and I can truthfully say it was never my fault :) (she would love that!)

I have heard her laugh, cry, wail, sing (badly), scream for both good and bad reasons, swear, stomp, rant, sigh, and literally fall over giggling. I have seen her from every side of life; happy and sad, sick and healthy and through it all and all these many years she has never left me behind. She has never been neglectful or unthoughtful as sometimes years of togetherness will
do. We have traveled the world together, beach sunsets, Irish rains, Scottish moors, Australian vistas, and of course - Big Ben.

So in ending my dearest friend and enduring companion - let's have 40 more years together.

Love,
your teddy bear