T-bones, Roses and Friendship

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested
in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of
7 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet
memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to
go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd
always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in
his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with
grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery
shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak
and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and
lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large
package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then
put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of
steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves
T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

"My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her.
Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble
in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have
together."

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she
placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store
to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk
I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice
cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle
toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the
pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On
her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft
halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes
holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began
misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three
beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through
the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and
placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell
her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak,
I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green
tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly
the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with
tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.
(Please read all of this, it is really nice)

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this
to your friends, including the person that sent it to you.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm
rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light
as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank
you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are
bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks
are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so
loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture
in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for
the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank
you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no
job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and
wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.

Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to
make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we
turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure.

For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our
lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a
better and happier place.

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From: gracemat@yahoo.com