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If you ever met someone that appeared to be charming, funny, tantalizing, and intelligent, he was probably from Aquarius Horoscope. They usually live in their own minds, filled with a world of ideas. Although they seem to possess a certain detached quality and may sometimes come across as removed from feelings, they are warm, outgoing, and very concerned with others.
These Humanitarians often are wary of emotion and like to deal rationally with life. Optimism is a big part of their nature, along with the knack of friendliness and the mastery of flirtation.
If you want to get the Aquarians attention, you will need to intellectually stimulate them. Good conversation, including debates are a favorite past time of the Water Bearer. Open minded, People under Aquarius Sign can accept criticism and understand others perceptions about things. If you have a problem, they are always willing to listen, though after awhile, enough is enough. Tolerance is a big part for Aquarians temperament. They are slow to take offense, never jealous and never over emotional.
When planning a date with an Aquarian, you don't have to go out of your way to impress them. Just about anything pleases them. From sharing a picnic lunch to a candle lit dinner, Chinese or Mexican, it doesn't matter, as long as variety is on the menu.
In time, a relationship can grow, built on trust. Never nag a person with Aquarius Horoscope about a mistake. A mistake is unimportant to them, so don't harp on it. If they are constantly told what is wrong, they will begin to feel unappreciated and the relationship can get rocky.
In any relationship, an Aquarian may find it hard to give of themselves but will always remain loyal and devoted to a worthy partner. When the Aquarius makes a promise, it's usually never broken. However, if you become demanding, and critical, they may start to wonder elsewhere.
People under the Aquarius Horoscope want a partner to share in the adventures, along with the challenges, that life has to offer. Life with them will never be boring.
Rabu, 29 Desember 2010
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
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At first glance, you may find yourself fascinated with a Piscesian. People with Pisces horoscope are usually gentle and have a softness about them, essentially living in a world of dreams and romance. Along with their sensitive and mysterious qualities, their psychic intuition usually leads them through life.
Piscesians have a tendency to fall in love easily and can have several love affairs until finding the right match. To stay in a continuous relationship, a person born under Pisces horoscope need to have their emotional needs met, along with a feeling of security. Adaptable to almost any situation and all sorts of people, you may find a person with Pisces horoscope to be a real charmer.
To win points with a person born under Pisces horoscope, compliment them on their appearance, or flatter them regarding something they have done. Additionally, if you're the sentimental type, you will be on your way into a fulfilling relationship. If you're thoughtful, kind, and affectionate, in return, you may find yourself richly awarded with devotion. However, if you constantly criticize or have a tendency to be unfaithful with your devotion, you may want to keep looking. Piscesians will find this behavior intolerable and definitely unacceptable. A Piscesian will do almost anything for someone they care about. Once they commit to a person, they will give all their time, effort, and energy to them.
Their interests fall in the arts and in stimulating conversation. These often artistically talented individuals love topics on mysticism, spiritualism and the supernatural. Piscesians horoscope love to expound and explain their point of view, however, if you don't agree, be gentle. This sensitive zodiac sign, doesn't appreciate rejection or someone that takes a completely negative approach to life. They are also great listeners and their sympathy is mostly genuine.
Once they have found a stable, passionate, and tender partner, they will relinquish their uttermost passion and devotion to them exclusively.
People with Pisces horoscope won't even mind if the person makes most of the decisions that are to be made. As an attentive, compassionate and romantic lover, hey will surely fulfill your spiritual and physical needs. Once content in emotional security, this vulnerable sign of the zodiac, will look no further.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
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People with Aries Horoscope love compliments and tend to gravitate towards unrestricted, lively people. They are outgoing and active. If you plan a date with an Arian, be prepared to stay out late and have some fun, as they are filled with energy, and love excitement.
Generally, people with Aries Horoscope like to think of themselves as intellectuals, therefore, the best way to excite an Aries is to approach them on a intellectual level. They are aggressive and passionate. However, be forewarned that Arians has a tendency to be jealous and when in love, wants quite a bit of our time, if not all of it.
They love to be asked for their advice and will give you as much time, guidance, and sympathy that you need. Their advice is usually given straight forth and without hesitation. Although they are frank and candid, Arians Horoscope will gladly share their opinions with you.
An absolute definite way to end a relationship with people under Aries Sign is to start dictating or even more so, dominating them. They hate it. In addition, never give them orders. Not only do they not take orders well, but most likely they won't even listen.
Known to be independent, Arians will be a trustworthy, loyal and exciting partner.
Taurus (April 20 - May 21)
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If you're interested in a person born under the Taurus horoscope, don't sit around waiting for them to approach you. A Taurus is a patient person, which is something you will have to possess in any relationship with them. Most likely, you will have to be the initiator.
Once you're on a date with a Taurus, let them know that you enjoy their company. If you pick out the restaurant, make certain that the food and atmosphere are in good taste. And, if you're planning a dinner at home, try and plan ahead making sure everything is perfect; plenty of good food, good wine, flowers, candles on the table, and soft background music.
If you show a Taurus that nothing is too good for them, you're well on you're way to building a lasting relationship.
With a strong will and a great sense of humor, a Taurus can have a calming effect on people. However, sudden changes in routine can cause friction with them.
If you're looking for someone dependable, you've found them. If your looking for someone to constantly assure you of their love and devotion, you might want to keep looking. A person under the Taurus Sign is a very sensual person and can awaken sleeping passion in someone they care about.
Gemini (May 21- June 21)
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Keep in mind that people born with Gemini horoscope is the sign of the twin... There is a part of them that needs love and security, and then there's the stronger part of them that needs stimulation and novelty. To remain in a relationship with a Gemini you must be able to satisfy their emotional, mental and sexual needs. People with Gemini horoscope love to laugh, travel, spend money, and are eager for new experiences.
Since people born under the Gemini sign know a little about many things and almost everything interests them, you can make a great impression by discussing a topic in depth. Geminis appreciate honesty and sincerity in a person, so make sure you speak your mind, even if you don't share the same point of view.
Additionally, Geminis don't always stick to one topic of interest, since variety is something they enjoy and find intriguing. These very social and energetic people tend to have a sharp tongue. They are quick to criticize and tend to use words as weapons, so if you're an emotional person that takes things to heart, you may want to avoid this relationship.
When in love, people born under the Gemini horoscope tend to be quite possessive and inclined to be jealous. Never give them reason to suspect that you're not faithful to them, they don't like to be deceived, and won't put up with it. Once a Gemini has found someone that they can trust and that fills all their needs, they will be an exciting and devoted partner.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
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If a person with Cancer horoscope has an interest in you, they will drop subtle clues. Don't expect them to be forward, as they don't know how to be. Since Cancerians have a tendency to be old-fashion in beliefs, the perfect date would be tickets to the theater, a romantic restaurant, or a cultural event. As Cancer Sign tend to be romantic day dreamers, and reflect in the past, bring up some old stories so that they can relate some of theirs. Show an interest to this sentimentalist when they bring out their collections or old pictures.
People with Cancer horoscope thrive on admiration and praise. Let them know how much you admire them. Compliments will get you everywhere. Ask their opinion, and be sure to be sincere about hearing their response. Keep in mind that a people with Cancer horoscope hates rejection and is extremely cautious about making any commitment. They will try to avoid giving an answer, and whatever you do, don't try to rush them into one. Usually if the answer is no, they will go to all lengths to avoid the subject.
A Cancerian has an excellent memory and a jealous nature. Because they can recall situations in their past very easily, it would be a tremendous mistake to ever be insincere to this person. To them betrayal is devastating, and it will take a very long time for them to forgive, and to top it off, they may never forget. Once emotionally wounded, there will always be a void in the relationship. Emotional and financial security is of the utmost importance in this relationship. They don't like frivolous spending, since it means a loss of control and security.
If you can give an enormous amount of attention and constant reassurance, you have found the perfect mate. In return you will find people with Cancer horoscope to be affectionate, romantic, sympathetic, imaginative, and quite seductive.
Although they tend to want your complete devotion, if they are in love, Cancerians will cherish and protect their partner always.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
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A person born with Leo horoscope love compliments and praise. Give them plenty of it. Underneath the surface of this proud, take charge persona is a sensitive and vulnerable person that needs constant reassurance. It is an essential tool for them. Keep in mind, that flattery will get you everywhere. As a result, the more you feed a Leo's ego, the longer your relationship will last.
On a date with a Leo, be sure not to skimp on anything, as they love the pleasures of life and feel that they are deserving of nice things. People with Leo Sign tend to be spendthrifts as nothing is too good for them. Feel free to discuss topics of intellectual interest. Leo's love to share their opinion, although be aware that they are prone to be boisterous about what they believe is right, and in most cases will not alter in opinion.
Leos love to take charge and play the leading role. Sexually a Leo will go to all measures to please a partner. They want a relationship to be exciting and intense. However, as much as they need devotion, they deplore possessiveness and jealousy. A true Leo will remain faithful in a relationship, however they must have space and freedom to allow their outgoing nature to explore new adventures.
If you're looking for a generous, creative person that usually has a sunny disposition about life, you've found them. Don't forget to take into account that the Leo horoscope has the symbol of the lion for a reason. This king of the jungle, can be quite domineering at times. Nonetheless, provided with the necessities that a Leo needs, you will find an affectionate, cheerful companion that will do almost anything for you.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
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As a rule, a person born under Virgo horoscope is attracted to someone who possess good conversation skills. They love to talk and surround themselves with friends who are well-tempered, nonchalant, and intellectually stimulating.
If you're planning a date with a Virgo, try and avoid noisy places especially with lewd or obscene entertainment. The Virgo horoscope reserved nature and insistence of good taste, would get more pleasure from a quiet restaurant with soft music playing in the background, than from a rock and roll concert. They would prefer a place where the two of you can talk.
You'll probably find a Virgo to be very interesting and be able to discuss almost anything with them. However, don't be in a hurry to jump right in and ask too much about their personal affairs, since they may find it to be an intrusion of privacy.
It's a rare occurrence for a people under the Virgo horoscope to hand out praise, so if you're looking for constant flattery, you may want to keep looking. While on the contrary, if you're looking for advice or an opinion on a certain matter, a Virgo will gladly participate.
Virgo's are careful planners and are constantly seeking personal achievement and financial security. They won't put up with frivolous spending habits and won't jump into a serious relationship without looking ahead first. Most likely a Virgo seeking a partner with practical ambitions exactly like themselves.
Once the a Virgo has found someone worthy to share their life with, they will always be loyal and provide plenty of happiness. This responsible, sensitive, and intellectual person takes love very seriously. Although they may appear aloof, and distant at times, they are very sensual and warm people. If you win them over, you will be more than rewarded with a prosperous and memorable life with them.
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
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A person born under Libra horoscope love the concept of being loved, therefore are constantly searching for the perfect mate.Libras love romance and consequently are good at it. Filled with personal dignity and elegance, you may find Libras to dazzle and captivate you time and time again.
They have many interests like theater, antiques, decorating, art, and themselves. A person born with the Libra Sign best quality is the art of conversation. They are fantastic conversationalists. Although, when discussing any subject, you may find the conversation leading back toward their favorite topic of interest, as they put a little bit about themselves into each conversation, placing the spotlight exactly where they want it.
When out on a date with a Libra be sure to pay them a compliment. If it's sincere, they will most definitely be charmed by you. If you pick out a restaurant, make certain the atmosphere is classy and don't skimp on any of your plans. Libras want to be treated as first class and does not like to settle for less, as they feel that their pleasure is well worth it. They want a partner that has good taste and quality. As they adore luxury and love to be pampered, impression will get you everywhere, so go all out, and don't hold back.
With an easy going nature, you will find a person with Libra Horoscope pleasant to be around. This zodiac sign of partnership needs a companion who will understand, appreciate, and perhaps even idolize them. If you're searching for a partner that is socially outgoing and affectionate, you've found them. People born under Libra horoscope love to go to parties and enjoy a glittering extravagant social life.
Although a Libra may be indecisive about making a commitment, once committed to a relationship, you will find harmony and peace with them.
Scorpio (October 24 - November 21)
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If you've ever met someone that you found irresistible from the moment you met, it was probably a person born with the Scorpio horoscope. They are fascinating and have an air of mystery about them. Although, what you see on the surface is only what they want you to see. They may appear direct and just a bit forceful, but underneath they are vulnerable and sensitive. Scorpios take love very seriously and are searching for admiration from a partner.
Getting a date with a Scorpio is easier than forming a long term relationship with them. You will probably have no trouble seducing them, however if you're looking for an extended relationship, that's a little harder. Although Scorpios can appear, at times, to be a loner, it's a deception that guards them against being hurt as they tend to wound easily. Once they commit to a long term relationship, a Scorpio will be a faithful mate providing both financial security and dependability.
Plan a day at the beach, a social affair, or do something recreational as they enjoy places where they can associate with other people. Scorpios appreciate being listened to and want to know that they have your complete undivided attention. Although it's hard to get into an argument with someone born under this sign, if you become insistent and disrespectful toward them, it will happen. Scorpios also hate to be dominated along with being taken for granted.
Keep in mind that a Scorpio can be extremely jealous and protective of the person they choose to spend their life with. They seek someone generous, loving and affectionate that will provide them with the feeling of security. In turn they will provide plenty of passion, affection, and complete devotion in the relationship. People under the Scorpio horoscope will always take your feelings into consideration and have a great deal of energy when it comes to passion
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
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This Sun sign is probably the most delightful and charming companion that you will find. People born with Sagittarius horoscope is not only out to enjoy life, but is imaginative and fun loving. One of their best traits of a Sagittarian is a good sense of humor. Always filled with new ideas and enthusiastic about each of them, this sign of the archer is ambitious, generous, and most of all freedom-loving.
Drawn to the excitement, passion, and the adventure of romance, this free spirit might find domesticity to be boring. Sagittarians consider love a challenge, as well as an adventure. Planning a date with a Sagittarian is easy. You don't have to go out of your way to impress them. They will enjoy almost anything, anywhere.
While on a date with a person with a Sagittarian, you shouldn't have any trouble striking up a conversation as they have a variety of interests.
People born with Sagittarius horoscope is intellectually stimulating and fascinating to talk with. Although you may soon discover that they can be direct and straightforward. On the most part, they say what they feel, regardless of how it may sound. No harm intended though, they wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose.
Their main objective in a relationship, is loyalty to their partner. However, if you're looking for a homebody, or you're the jealous type, then you might want to look else where. The Sagittarius Sign will not tolerate being trapped into a relationship that will infringe upon their freedom of adventure. Once they find a compatible partner, the deep passions that are hidden beneath the surface will be unlocked. Life will never be boring from this point on.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
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The first time you meet a person with Capricorn horoscope, they may appear aloof, but what they really are, is cautious.Capricorns interests are in art, theater, music, and in their own career. Usually they are drawn to people who are intellectually stimulating and they seek a partner who will fit into their realm of life. People with Capricorn horoscope prefer to discuss serious subjects, however, will always be there to listen to a problem.
People born under Capricorn Sign appreciate luxury, although, they don't like splurging to make an impression. They feel that money is a serious issue that spells out security.
Capricorns tend to be dominating and are not easy to win over. They also expect to be pursued and not be the pursuers. If you're going on a date with this zodiac, make sure you're prompt. If you say you'll be there at a certain time, be there. They are intolerant to people who say something and do something else.
If you have a tendency to let your emotions rule you, then you may want to keep looking for someone else, since People born with Capricorn Sign can come across as cool and reserved. As they take a common sense approach in almost everything they do, it will be included in their relationship. They want to be cherished, honored, loved and respected. In return, passion will run deep and you will have a loving lasting relationship.
Selasa, 28 Desember 2010
A Silent Love
This story is full of love. 
I like it
From the very Begining, the girl's family objected strongly on her dating this guy. Saying that it has got to do with family background & that the girl will have to suffer for the rest of her life if she were to be with him.
Due to family's pressure, the couple quarrel very often. Though the girl love the guy deeply, but she always ask him: "How deep is your love for me?"
As the guy is not good with his words, this often cause the girl to be very upset. With that & the family's pressure, the girl often vent her anger on him. As for him, he only endure it in silence.
After a couple of years, the guy finally graduated & decided to further his studies in overseas. Before leaving, he proposed to the girl: "I'm not very good with words. But all I know is that I love you. If you allow me, I will take care of you for the rest of my life. As for your family, I'll try my best to talk them round. Will you marry me?"
The girl agreed, & with the guy's determination, the family finally gave in & agreed to let them get married. So before he leave, they got engaged.
The girl went out to the working society, whereas the guy was overseas, continuing his studies. They sent their love through emails & phone calls. Though it's hard, but both never thought of giving up.
One day, while the girl was on her way to work, she was knocked down by a car that lost control. When she woke up, she saw her parents beside her bed. She realised that she was badly injured. Seeing her mum crying, she wanted to comfort her. But she realized that all that could come out of her mouth was just a sigh. She has lost her voice......
The doctors says that the impact on her brain has caused her to lose her voice. Listening to her parents' comfort, but with nothing coming out from her, she broke down.
During the stay in hospital, besides silence cry,.....it's still just silence cry that companied her. Upon reaching home, everything seems to be the same. Except for the ringing tone of the phone. Which pierced into her heart everytime it rang. She does not wish to let the guy know. & not wanting to be a burden to him, she wrote a letter to him saying that she does not wish to wait any longer.
With that, she sent the ring back to him. In return, the guy sent millions & millions of reply, and countless of phonecalls,.. all the girl could do, besides crying, is still crying....
The parents decided to move away, hoping that she could eventually forget everything & be happy.
With a new environment, the girl learn sign language & started a new life. Telling herself everyday that she must forget the guy. One day, her friend came & told her that he's back. She asked her friend not to let him know what happened to her. Since then, there wasn't anymore news of him.
A year has passed & her friend came with an envelope, containing an invitation card for the guy's wedding. The girl was shattered. When she open the letter, she saw her name in it instead.
When she was about to ask her friend what's going on, she saw the guy standing in front of her. He used sign language telling her "I've spent a year's time to learn sign language. Just to let you know that I've not forgotten our promise. Let me have the chance to be your voice. I Love You. With that, he slipped the ring back into her finger. The girl finally smiled.
Senin, 27 Desember 2010
Love Story
What will you do if your love who had passed away, suddenly come to your dream?
Will you frightened? 
Let's read this story !
1986 was a year that will change my life forever, sitting outside on one summer's day a flash of beauty just passed me by her name was Zia, now this was love at 1st sight, gasping for breath I tried to get control of my self.
This moment was going to change my life forever.
From the moment I looked into her eyes, I knew she is the one, the one I would spend the rest of my life with, until my time was done.
I was lucky enough that soon someone suggested a night out.I at the time was ecstatic as my only wish that she would hopefully be there.I was even more thrown over board when I heard she would beThe few hours I had to wait felt like a few days, wow the time has arrived to fetch her.She gets into the vehicle and we are on a night out to remember
I can't stop keeping my eyes off herI try to hold her and she is abit defensive at first.
The evening is the most romantic as you could get a full moon with the backdrop of lovely mountains I start to talk her and hold her hands.She gives in and we hold hands.This was the softest hands I have ever held in my life.I just could not let go from that moment forward.
We walked around holding hands very discreetly my heart pounding away as I have never felt like this for anyone in my life; I was shocked at the way my heart was pounding.
This was the first time I had all these emotions, where just new to me.
This was the night where the grass was green; this was the night where the moon lit so bright.This was the night of discovery. The night of recovery... This was the night of a new love the night where we became one.
We walked and let out some very inner feelings the evening felt too short ,she turns around and we are alone ,I put my arms around her I feel her soft gentle lips on mines and this is my first kiss.I kiss her passionately as I have never kissed anyone like this before.I felt abit embarrassed, did I kiss her correctly or did I look so stupid.For me this was the kiss of a lifetime.From that moment forward all I could do is only think about my love.I count not eat sleep or do anything without thoughts of her on my mind.This was the start of a relationship that would last for eternity.
I get home all flushed ,excited ,with butterflies in my tummy not knowing what was actually happening to me ,I asked is this love what is this I cant breath ,Oh god help me make sense of what is going on in my heart.My parents where taken back with me asking me if I was sick or was something wrong as I was too occupied with her on my mind and not saying much.
We spent days and nights on the phone even sleeping on the phone this love far beyond anything I could have ever imagined.Within 5 months by parents moved near her family which took me miles away from my sweetheart.
We got to live near some of her family which I got to know very well and spent allot of time around them Zia would come down on holidays which was brilliant.Everything between her family and I seemed perfect as could be.We would meet discreetly from the family until we both felt we where ready for marriage.We by now have been going out for 3 years the love just got stronger with every day.
First we both come from Indian families' culture religion plays a major part in our families.Culturally & religiously what we have been doing would have been deemed in correct.Having a romance like we have was taboo at the time.Our long distance relationship went on for years with me travelling to her on every opportunity I received.The feeling of being loved giving her every attention I could give from my body heart and soul.We lied hid and did anything possible to get every moment together we could manage.
By now we could not keep our hands off each other and being a part for anytime was something neither she nor I could handle anymore.Well she and I both decided that it was time we spoke to the family as they know me so well over the years and there really should be no problems if my parents asked for her hand in marriage.I was lucky as my parents where very liberal so it was much easier for me to talk to them.
We have a family meeting with my parents and my sister I make my intentions known and confess my love for the woman I love and I asked them to please ask her parents for her hand in marriage.Her dad passed away so her uncles and mother needed to be consulted, this is the cultural way of how things should be done.
My parents set up a meeting with her family and I have been asked to be present at the discussion.The day comes when we go and we ask for her hand in marriage,
I feel a very uncomfortable when we enter but play that down to me just being nervous. We take a seat and great everyone, as we are all familiar with each other. One of her uncle's is an Accountant and he asks me a few questions. General questions which I answered to the best of my ability.
I start to sense or get the feeling that somehow things have changed overnight, they are asking me questions as if they never new me. It was a scary feeling.
One of the questions was how I would look after his niece as I have no qualifications because I have left school early to help my dad when he got ill.My dad and I both suggested that he has a business and I would run that business which eventually I would inheritHe did not seem very impressed with that answer.He said to me he has high hopes for his niece he would prefer someone more professional and would some qualifications someone like a Doctor or Lawyer even an Accountant.
Businessman or self-employed was not very professional in his eyes so I got the feeling.He also asked how much money I have.At this point being young and naive I was getting very upset as I got the impression that I was in the bank applying for a mortgage.I kept my cool and listen carefully to everything they had to say.By this time I realised that her family did not approve of me, shocking as it was to realise it sure was the truth.He went on to say to me that without a profession or a degree life would be very difficult for me, I even offered to study thinking this would please him.
Harsh and it hurt to bits what I was hearing worst was that I am not going to have the woman I love more than life.The normal situation when you ask someone's hand in marriage they have a few days to come back to you.So we where told they will let us know.
A few days later they came out with an excuse so it does not look bad that his nice was too young.My parents apologised to me saying they have done the best they could do and can't really do anything more.I could not handle this we both decide we will not allow the families to break up the love we share.
Zia lived 700km away from her family at the time with her mum and 3 sisters.We carried on our secret relationship yet again knowing the family won't approve of us, we both could just not let go.Being that far away I had met a friend where I live by the Name Jane, Jane and I got very close as she was there for me to talk too.I had many moments where I used to feel so useless and speak to Jane about my inner feelings.The love that my beloved and I have would conquer all was my thoughts.
Zia has a friend who is getting married and she was invited to the wedding, her friends and I have met on many occasions, they supported our relationship and hoped we could get married as well.I was down for this wedding and Zia and I talk we share our thoughts of how do we deal with the families, I love her so much yet her family cant see
that, well shocking to me I hear from her that the following day her family had arranged and allowed someone to come ask for her hand in marriage.
Hearing this just drove me insane, these same people said she was too young to get married now all of a sudden she not.This just confirmed to me these people where money hungry bigots who where looking for there own benefit than cared anything about how Zia and I felt.
Zia cried and said to me if I go home tomorrow they are going to marry me off to someone else.I told my sweetheart I will not stand for that.She and I discussed the best thing to do was to elope and get married that way no-one will ever keep us apart.Well we got into the vehicle and went off to do just that, we go to a family member of mine and tell them our predicament ,they suggest Zia calls home and let her mum know she is with me and not coming back home.We also make our intentions known that we intend to get married.
The night draws till the morning with phone calls and threats all roads are manned searching for us.My parents get very upset with me as they tell me this is not the right way to do things.My uncles and most of my family by now get involved in this love triangle.Most of them felt I am bringing a very bad name to the family and should not get married like this, they all promise me they will get us married but I need to do it in the correct manner.I asked what the correct manner is as I have been down that way and they want to marry her off to someone else.They promise yet again give her back and we will start all over again and guarantee we will be together.
After some pressure from my parents we agree
This was going to be another memorable chapter.
We arrange a meeting with her family to hand her back and arrange an engagement the following week.At this meeting I had my mum's brother representing me and her uncles came there to take her back and discuss things.I noticed the moment I walked into the room my so called uncle was not there to represent me but save face for the family.I sat there in what supposed to be a discussion only to get blasted at how I kidnapped there niece and being brought down to feel like the worst person a live, by this time I could not even look at Zia as I felt my darling I have failed you yet again being young being naive I had no resources but to remain silent and watch the love of my life being taken away yet again.
I suspected then that I have made the mistake of not getting married while I could as now it's going to be even more difficult, still I would not give up hope and said well next week they promised to have us engaged.
Zia gone back to her family all I had was hope so I went back home, when I got home things got even worse her family had no intentions of ever getting us married ,Zia as soon as she got home was banned from leaving the house or even answering the phone she was given the hiding of her life leaving her bruised black and blue hearing all this drove me insane ,I have failed my love yet again ,I would sit up at night talk to Zia in my mind apologising to her cause I have failed her yet again ,I am supposed to have protected my love and I cant even do that .
Her family was not done with me on a Friday they get hold of me they assault me and bundle me into the booth of the car.I only got left alone when more people came around the vehicle.I had 2 of her uncle's assault me and one watch guard and they made it clear that I was never going to have her.The Monday I had a Policeman come to my house with a charge of kidnapping. I went to the police station and also opened a charge for Assault.Her uncles asked me to drop the assault charger and they would drop the kidnapping charge.Well that took care of the legal matters but it sure did not help in me
getting my sweetheart back.
The Accountant was full of threats he told me that if I don't leave Zia alone I need to remember she has 3 more sisters and they will all suffer the harder I push and they would make Zia's life a living hell.
This was a turning point for me I have failed my love in everything so far, will I now ask her and her sisters and mom to pay for something I am totally responsible for.I could not, Jane & I and I got closer as I would tell her my most inner tthoughts and how confused I am in the direction I should take.I would tell her how much I love Zia and cant stand the pain I am putting her threw.
Jokingly I say to Jane ,hey Jane if we hook up maybe Zia would forget me and move on to a better life ,maybe I am not good enough for her ,she deserves the best all I have given her is a is pain sorrow ,heart aches and failure.Jane laughs and says yeah why not hey, feeling totally heartbroken and dying for a hug I put my arms around Jane for some comfort, well that just lead to Jane and me kissing and ended up spending the night together.
I work up in the morning hating myself, I was going insane, by now I had felt terrible.Jane and I had a talk the following day where I apologised for my outburst, I told Jane I love Zia very much and what happened with us shouldn't have
happened. She also Apologised being the kind person that she is, at least we are still friends was her words.I started having thoughts of hoping if maybe Zia haltered me she would get on with her families wishes I hated my self as well because I have betrayed her.
I felt if I got involved with someone else at least Zia and she and her family will be spared by the wrath of her uncles they all could move on with their life and things would get better and easier for her.I started a relationship at this point with Jane, Jane was always there for me when I needed her and I guess she was the easiest for me to latch on too.
Jane and I discussed Zia and I made it clear to her that I could never love anyone as much as I love Zia also that if Zia ever needed me I would be there for her. Jane finds out she is pregnant this I read as a sign to let Zia move on with
her life,I explain to Jane my feelings for Zia and we discussed to handle our situation.
Jane and I get married on the 1st of April 2000, by now us expecting our 1st child. I do my best to move forward on a life that will make it easier for Zia to get on with hers, I hoped she would by now hate me so much to at least find someone who would not fail her as much as I did.
Zia was sent away to keep us out of reach of each other; I thought this would also help her make a life.My love for her was so deep being married I would go to bed every night thinking and hoping she was ok ,Jane new how I felt, I at this time and was very patient with me.I felt I have hurt so many people around me including Jane, I was totally lost ,Jane would hug me every night and say to me time heals old wounds ,I got to realise as well that Jane actually had fallen in love with me.
I was not sure if Zia's life got better as in society she would have to keep the relationship she and I shared a secret, if anyone new very few with marry her.I still felt although I am trying to help her I have stained her life for ever...
Zia gets married I hear about it and with tears in my eyes I break down, I miss her so much I still love her eventually I get to grips and realise I should be happy for her as I say to my self sweetheart at least your life is going to start, our love we share will be ours forever.Zia's husband is a man not even I could stand up to she truly got the best. Her family allowed this marriage purely as a factor anyone but me is now good enough all there talk of profession went out the window.
Time has been going and the saying time heals old wounds only if that was true.I have been trying best to contact here I just needed to hear voice and tell her I am sorry for everything I have put her threw. After some searching I mange to get a phone number. I phone her to check how she is doing.
Hearing her voice gave me goose bumps, trying that she does not hear the frog in my throat and the tears in my eyes I ask her how she is doing and Apologise for my failures.I can hear in her voice the love we share is burning bright in her heart. She tries to hide her feelings for me and I do the same, we always managed to think for each other so well.She would always know what I was thinking and so would I. We started to talk to each other every now and again just checking we both where ok.
Zia was pregnant now that was great news amazing, you would think I was the father I was so happy for her.Her life for once now is going in the right direction. We have kept contact all this time yet we have been apart for Twenty years. I still feel her love in my heart I guess I only look forward to everyday that comes just in case I get a glimpse of my sweetheart. My love for Zia is unconditional I will love her until my last breath. I do my best to be a good husband to my wife and I also feel guilty for my failures and misgivings.
Jane and I are still married I try to be a good husband for her and she and I have 2 kids my daughter aged 16 and a son aged 12. I have grown to also Love Jane in a very different way she has been by my side all this time. I laugh, I joke I put on a front that everyone accepts my life as they see it perfect in others eyes.
I live my life everyday with pain, agony and live purely as a son to my Parents, Father to my children, a Husband to my wife and a Failure to the one I Love the most
The 26th of December 2006 will be 20 years for Zia and I.
The names in this story have been changed.
Miracle By Chance
This is a "true story" about how I met my boyfriend on a dating site on the Internet.
15 YEARS AGO:
I used to hang out at a country bar called the "Club Palomino". I loved listening to good bands there, and dancing to their country rock music. I used to drag my friend out to see my favourite band playing called "Cheyenne", who were amazing and always packed the place. My friend and I used to get up and dance to their songs. I was interested in the rhythm guitar player in the band, to me, he was the best looking one, and I loved his voice along with his rhythm guitar sound. Yes, I had the "hots" for him and would goggle eye him playing his guitar/singing while I was on the dance floor, or just standing at the bar listening and staring. I’ve always had this thing for bands as I play guitar too, and always wanted to play in a band. They played there for a long time and were the best band at the "Club Palomino". I would go there as much as I could just to hear them play, and of course, always watching my favourite player. The sad part about it was I used to see him with a short blonde girl, not knowing if she was his girlfriend or wife.
After seeing them playing there for a long time, the "Club Palomino" closed down. Yes, the club had been sold. Wouldn’t you know it a huge townhouse sub-division was
put up and the club was gone. So were all the bands and my favourite band, "Cheyenne".
When I first found out about the club closing down, I wanted to approach "Cheyenne"; particularly the rhythm guitar player and ask where they would be playing in the
future. But I didn’t have enough courage to do that. I guess things happen for a reason.
15 YEARS LATER:
As time went on I met someone and got married. That was a mistake. Eventually we got a divorce. I starting going out to bars, again, got tired of it and not meeting anyone decent enough. I wasn’t crazy about the bands playing at other bars either. Later, a friend told me to join a particular dating site on the Internet, which I thought I would never do. But, I thought I would check it out for fun as I heard so much about it through people even meeting their soul mates from that site.
Surprisingly enough, I had a few dates, meeting in public places, but just didn’t find the right one and thought I never would from a dating site. I sort of gave up on it until one night. After getting home from a bar, which I hated, I went on my computer. For some reason I logged in that site again which I was really glad I did. I got an interesting email from a guy and liked his picture. I was also touched by his email and that he was also interested in my picture and profile. From then on we started emailing each other quite a lot from that site. We seemed to have so much in common through our emails. We continued writing and eventually got on MSN, and chatted for quite some time. He was Bulgarian and I was Hungarian, how common was that! We discovered from our MSN chats that we had so much in common. It was really amazing. Our families even lived in the same town of all places. We chatted every night as often as we could.
And then, a miracle happened! We started chatting on our computers about music. Wow…we also liked all the same music and we both wrote songs. I told him I liked country music and used to frequent a particular bar about 15 years ago, which had closed down. Of course he asked me the name of the bar back then. I told him the "Club Palomino". He was really surprised and told me he used to play there. I wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not! He said he would send me a picture of his band that played there. I thought, "yeah right" to myself as I waited patiently in front of my computer for the picture. Low and behold, a huge picture came up on my screen, "CHEYENNE" "CLUB PALOMINO". I freaked! I couldn’t believe it! It was him in the picture with "Cheyenne". The guy I was interested in who was the rhythm guitar player in my favourite band. I was so shocked that I went crazy seeing this picture! It was just unbelievable! Like a miracle happened suddenly! Like a fairy tale! We carried on chatting every moment we had for some time, and eventually he gave me his
phone number. We started talking on the phone every night. It was just amazing all the things we had in common about everything! Yes, it was too good to be true!
After about 3 weeks of talking on the phone every night, chatting on the computer & exchanging pictures, we decided to meet. I was brave enough for him to pick me up at my mother’s place as I developed this trust in him, by his voice and his honesty. I met him downstairs in front of my mother’s apartment building. He got out of his car, and the first thing we did was look at each other and start laughing, and laughing like crazy, and couldn’t stop laughing! He took me to the local Canadian Legion where we talked, had a drink together (still laughing) and we got more acquainted. Eventually we went into another room and sat down at a table. After a while, he asked me if I didn’t mind if he got up on stage to do a solo. Hey, a man singing with his guitar was like being in heaven. He got up on stage and started playing his guitar and singing in front of an audience. That did it for me. I was hooked! And the guy I admired 15 years ago was performing in front of my eyes, and, was my date! I was in heaven!
We dated for about 2 years and it was absolutely wonderful. Eventually we bought a condo and have been living together for 2 ½ years now. Then, the final surprise! After moving into our condo, we looked out the window and to our astonishment what did we see? The office building of the dating site we joined of all things! What a coincidence that was! In March of 2008, it will be 5 years being together, playing music, and still laughing! We are just two peas in a pod!
He met my friend who I was with at the Club Palomino 15 years ago, and he also remembered seeing us dancing while his band "Cheyenne" played. He also remembered me standing at the bar at times. I used to watch him go to the bar for his coffee and I know our eyes met each other’s at that time. It sure is strange crossing one another’s paths some 15 years ago - and now, being together in a different time in the future, and remembering!
And by the way, that short blonde girl he was with at the Club Palomino, was the girl he eventually married which lasted 8 years. He went through a brutal divorce. He did tell me that when I first saw him at the Club Palomino 15 years ago, that I
should have approached him and told him "she was bad news". It’s funny how life is – it just wasn’t meant to be back then. Fate brought us together. We met our "soul mates"!
Thanks to that Dating Site!
Jeannette & Rick
MIRACLE BY CHANCE © Jeannette Gardner (December, 2007)
A Couple's Heartbreak
I think it is a good story.
It is a sad story but it is very meaningful.
A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the apple of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for work so he asked the wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. The mother, preoccupied in the kitchen, totally forgot the matter.
The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle and, fascinated with its color, drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed, the mother hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face her husband.
When the distraught father came to the hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just four words.
What do you think were the four words?
The husband just said "I Love You Darling"
The husband's totally unexpected reaction is proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he have taken time to keep the bottle away, this will not have happened. No
point in attaching blame. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her.
Sometimes we spend time asking who is responsible or who to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know. We miss out some warmth in human relationship in giving each other support. After all, shouldn't forgiving someone we love be the easiest thing in the world to do? Treasure what you have. Don't multiply pain, anguish and suffering by holding on to forgiveness.
If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world.
Take off all your envies, jealousies, unwillingness to forgive, selfishness, and fears and you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.
Lost Love
This is a personal account of a ghost story that occured over 10 years ago.
This "true experince" firml supported my theory that our departed loved ones can convey messages through dreams.
Back in 1989, being a fresh graduate Psychology graduate, I landed a job in
the personnel department in one of the goverment offices in Quezon City. A male co-worker, Jun, was 11 years older than me. He became one of my friends while working there. Jun was king, loving, and romantic. He was the breadwinner of his family. His parents ang relatives liked me a lot. Being single and unattached, he courted me in 1990. I accepted his marraige proposal during the latter part of that year.
My parents did not approve of our relationship and when the first quarter of 1991 came, my parents made me quit my job. My dad, being a military man, even threatened Jun to Jun to stay away from me. To make our long story short, I left my job. I lost track of Jun I bussied myself with the family business. Basically, I went on with my life and tried to forget about him.
On the morning of June 2, 1994 I recieved a telegram from his aunt, saying that Jun had died the day before June1, 1994. Shocked I crumpled the short note and hurriedly phoned his aunt for confirmation. She told me that when we parted, Jun resigned from his job and drunk heavily each day. He naglected his death as well as his body. Pneumonia had caused his sudden death. "You know Jun. Everyday and up to his remaining hours, all her wanted was to see you. During his final moments, while suffering from delirium, he even told us that he still loves you very much," Jun's aunt said.
Sadly, my parents wouldn't allow me to go to his wake. I mourned quietly inside my room. There even came a point where I convinced myself that he wasn't dead.
On January 1995, just before my birthday, Jun visited me in a dream. I dreamed that I was inside a hospital room. I was wearing a hospital gown and I was sitting at the foot of my bed. Jun suddenly appeared before me, clothed in bright lights. We communicated mentally. I told him it wasn't true that he was gone. He replied that I must accept the fact that he was already dead but it didn't mean that he as leaving me. "I will always be beside you, gaurding you," he said
I cried saying, "I'm sorry I didn't have the guts to fight for our relationship."
He comforted me and soothed me by shrouding me with his bright light. The bliss I felt was interrupted by voice calling hi name "It's time for me to go," he told me. "But what about me?" I asked, tears in my eyes. " I will be here for you always," he replied,"and I will be waiting for you there. And don't ever forget that love you very much."
After saying this, he vanished before my eyes. I woke up crying. After this accident, I finished began to accept his death. And whenever I'm depressed I feel his presence beside me I know somehow out there he's still waiting patienly for me.
A Boy's Love
A good reminder: "Take time to appreciate what you have now."
Dont miss reading this one 
On the last day before Christmas, I hurried to go to the supermarket to buy the
remaining of the gift I didn't manage to buy earlier.
When I saw all the people there, I started to complain tomyself,"It is going to take forever here and I still have so many other places to go.
Christmas really is getting more and more annoying every year.How I wish I could just lie down, go to sleep and only wake up after it..."
Nonetheless, I made my way to the toy section, and there I started to curse the prices, wondering if after all kids really pla ywith such expensive toys.
While looking in the toy section, I noticed a small boy of about 5 years old, pressing a doll against his chest. He kept on touching the hair of the doll and looked so sad. I wondered who was this doll for. Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him, "Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?"
The old lady replied, "You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear."
Then she asked him to stay here for 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand.
Finally, I started to walk toward him and I asked him who did he want to give this doll to.
"It is the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for this Christmas. She was so sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her."
I replied to him that may be Santa Claus will bring it to her, after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly.
"No, Santa Claus can not bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mother so that she can give it to her when she goes there."
His eyes were so sad while saying this.
"My sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mummy will also go to see God very soon, so I thought that she could bring the doll with her to give it to my sister."
My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, "I told daddy to tell mummy not to go yet. I asked him to wait until I come back from the supermarket."
Then he showed me a very nice photo of him where he was laughing. He then told me, "I also want mummy to take this photo with her so that she will not forget me."
I love my mummy and I wish she doesn't have to leave me but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister."
Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly.I quickly reached
for my wallet and took a few notes and said to the boy, "What if we checked
again, just in case if you have enough money?"
"Ok," he said. "I hope that I have enough."
I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it.
There was enough for the doll, and even some spare money.
The little boy said, "Thank you God for giving me enough money."
Then he looked at me and added,
"I asked yesterday before I slept for God to
make sure I have enough money to buy this doll so that mummy can give it to my sister. He heard me."
"I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mummy, but I didn't dare to ask God too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and the white rose."
"You know, my mummy loves white rose."
A few minutes later, the old lady came again and I left with my trolley. I
finished my shopping in a totally
different state from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my
mind.
Then I remembered a local newspaper article 2 days ago, which mentioned of a drunk man in a truck who hit a car where there was one young lady and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-assisting machine, because the young lady would not be able to get out of the coma.
Was this the family of the little boy?
Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the newspaper that the young lady had passed away.I couldn't stop myself and went to buy a bunch of white roses and I went to the mortuary where the body of the young woman was exposed for people to see and make last wish before burial.
She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rosein her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place crying, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that this little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to that day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk man had taken all this away from him.
Let Me Love You
Once upon a time, there was once a guy who was very much in love with this girl. This romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of papercranes as a gift to his girl. Although, at that time he was just a small executive in his company, his future doesn't seemed too bright, they were very happy together. Until one day, his girl told him she was going to Paris and will never come back. She also told him that she cannot visualise any future for the both of them, so let's go their own ways there and then... heartbroken, the guy agreed.
When he regained his confidence, he worked hard day and night, slogging his body and mind just to make something out of himself. Finally with all these hardwork and with the help of friends, this guy had set up his own company...
"You never fail until you stop trying." he always told himself. "I must make it in life!"
One rainy day, while this guy was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain walking to some destination. Even with the umbrella, they were still drenched. It didn't take him long to realise those were his ex-girlfriend's parents. With a heart in getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them to know that he wasn't the same anymore, he had his own company, car, condo, etc. He had made it in life!
Before the guy can realise, the couple was walking towards a cemetary,and he got out of his car and followed them...and he saw his ex-girlfriend, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as ever at him from her tombstone... and he saw his precious papercranes in a bottle placed beside her tomb. Her parents saw him. He walked over and asked them why this had happened. They explained, she did not leave for France at all. She was stricken ill with cancer. In her heart, she had believed that he will make it someday, but she did not want her illness to be his obstacle ... therefore she had chosen to leave him.
She had wanted her parents to put his papercranes beside her, because, if the day comes when fate brings him to her again he can take some of those back with him. The guy just wept ...the worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them but knowing you can't have them and will never see them again.
The End."
A tragic story that perhaps happens only in the movies. At the end of the day, money is money is money but love is divine. In our quest for our material wealth, take time to make time for our loved ones. There will be a time when we have only memories to cling to.
Take this weekend to show our "love" to all that are close to us.
Thinking of You
Sophie's face faded into the gray winter light of the sitting room. She dozed in the armchair that Joe had bought for her on their fortieth anniversary. The room was warm and quiet. Outside it was snowing lightly.
At a quarter past one the mailman turned the corner onto Allen Street. He was behind on his route, not because of the snow, but because it was Valentine's Day and there was more mail than usual. He passed Sophie's house without looking up. Twenty minutes later he climbed back into his truck and drove off.
Sophie stirred when she heard the mail truck pull away, then took off her glasses and wipe her mouth and eyes with the handkerchief she always carried in her sleeve. She pushed herself up using the arm of the chair for support, straightened slowly and smoothed the lap of her dark green housedress.
Her slippers made a soft, shuffling sound on the bare floor as she walked to the kitchen. She stopped at the sink to wah the two dishes she had left on the counter after lunch. Then she filled a plastic cup halfway with water and took her pills. It was one forty-five.
There was a rocker in the sitting room by the front window. Sophie eased herself into it. In a half-hour the children would be passing by on their way home from school. Sophie waited, rocking and watching the snow.
The boys came first, as always, runnng and calling out things Sophie could not hear. Today they were making snowball as they went, throwing them at one another. One snowball missed and smackd hard into Sophie's window. She jerked backward, and the rocker slipped off the edge of her oval rag rug.
The girl dilly-dallied after the boys, in twos and threes, cupping their mittened hands over their mouths and giggling. Sophie wonder if they were telling each other about the valentines they had received at school. One pretty girl with long brown hair stopped and pointed to her face behind the drapes, suddenly self-consious. When she looked out again, the boys and girls were gone. It was cold by the window, but she stayed there watching the snow conver the children's footprints
A florist's truck turned onto Allen Street. Sophie followed it with her eyes. It was moving slowly. Twice it stopped and started again. Then the driver pulled up in front of Mrs. Mason's house next door and parked.Who would be sending Mrs. Mason flowers? Sophie wondered. Her daughter in Wisconsin? Or her brother? No, her brother was very ill. It was probably her daughter. How nice of her.
Flowers made Sophie think of Joe and, for a moment, she let the aching memory fill her. Tomorrow was the fifteenth. Eight months since his death.
The flower mans was knocking at Mrs. Mason's front door. He carried a long white and green box and a clipboard. No one seemed to be answering. Of course! It was Friday - Mrs. Mason quilted at the church on Friday afternoons. the delivery man looked around, then started toward Sophie's house.
Sophie shoved herself out of the rocker and stood close to the drapes. The man knocked. Her hands trembled as she straightened her hair. She reached her front hall on the third knock.
"Yes?" she said, peering around a slightly opened door. "Good afternoon, ma'am," the man said loudly. "Would you take a delivery for your neighbor?"
"Yes," Sophie answered, pulling the door wide open. "Where would you like me to put them?" the man asked politely as he strode in.
"In the kitchen, please. On the table." The man looked big to Sophie. She could hardly see his face between his green cap and full beard. Sophie was glad he left quickly, and she locked the door after him.
The box was as long as the kitchen table. Sophie drew near to it and bent over to read the lettering: "NATALIE'S Flowers for Every Occasion." The rich smell of roses engulfed her. She closed her eyes and took slower breaths, imagining yellow roses. Joe had always chosen yellow. "To my sunshine," he would say, presenting the extravagant bouquet. He would laugh delightedly, kiss her on the forehead, then take her hands in his and sing to her "You Are My Sunshine."
It's was five o'clock when Mrs. Mason knocked at Sophie's front door. Sophie was still at the kitchen table. The flower box was now open though, and she held the roses on her lap, swaying slightly and stroking the delicate yellow petals. Mrs. Mason knocked again, but Sophie did not hear her, and after several minutes the neighbour left.
Sophie rose a little while later, laying the flowers on the kitchen table. Her cheeks were flushed. She dragged a stepstool across the kitchen floor and lifted a white porcelain vase from the top corner cabinet. Using a drinking glass, she filled the vase with water, then tenderly arranged the roses and greens, and carried them into the sitting room.
She was smiling as she reached the middle of the room. She turned slightly and began to dip and twirl in small slow circles. She stepped lightly, gracefully, around the sitting room, into the kitchen, down the hall, back again. She danced till her knees grew weak, and then she dropped into the armchair and slept.
At a quarter past six, Sophie awoke with a start. Someone was knocking on the back door this time. It was Mrs. Mason.
"Hello, Sophie," Mrs. Mason said. "How are you? I knocked at five and was a little worried when you didn't come. Were you napping?" She chattered as she wiped her snowy boots on the welcome mat and stepped inside. "I just hate snow, don't you? The radio says we might have six inches by midnight, but you can never trust them, you know. Do you remember last winter when they predicted four inches, and we hand twenty-one? Twenty-one! And they said we'd have a mild winter this year. Ha! I don't think it's been over zero in weeks. Do you know my oil bill was $263 last month? For my little house!"
Sophie was only half-listening. She had remembered the roses suddenly and was turning hot with shame. The empty flower box was behind her on the kitchen table. What would she say to Mrs. Mason?
"I don't know how much longer I can keep paying the bills. If only Alfred, God bless him, had been as careful with money as your Joseph. Joseph! Oh, good heavens! I almost forgot about the roses."
Sophie's cheeks burned. She began to stammer an apology, stepping aside to reveal the empty box.
"Oh, good," Mrs. Mason interrupted. "You put the roses in water. Then you saw the card. I hope it didn't startle your to see Joseph's handwriting. Joseph had asked me to bring you the roses the first year, so I could explain for him. He didn't want to alarm you. His 'Rose Trust,' I think he called it. He arranged it with the florist last Apirl. Such a good man, your Joseph..."
But Sophie had stopped listening. Her heart was pounding as she picked up the small white envelope she had missed earlier. It had been lying beside the flower box all this time. With trembling hands, she removed the card.
"To my sunshine," it said. "I love you with all my heart. Try to be happy when you think of me. Love, Joe."
