The Last Rose

Once again, I think he knew his time on earth was short. I remember him telling me. “Honey you are so wonderful and you took such good care of me while I was in the hospital. I want to do something really special for you on your birthday.” I looked into his eyes, still weak from eleven days in the hospital and his aborted flirtation with death and I said; “Sweetie, having you home is all the birthday gift I need.”

I was just elated to have him home, to hold him in my arms unencumbered by tubes and machines and an oxygen mask. I was floating on air, my man was home and God had given us a second chance!

Nevertheless, my birthday arrived and Ruben, true to his romantic style had something in mind. I was just stepping out of the bathroom when I heard the doorbell ring. I attempted to hurry so Ruben wouldn’t be disturbed. I descended the stairs quickly rounded the corner and sprinted the last few steps to the family room. He was resting on the couch. He looked up and smiled. His eyes shifted to the circular table across the room my eyes followed his; sitting in the middle of the table were two-dozen white, long stemmed roses. The sunlight reflecting off of the soft yellow walls framed them beautifully. Twenty-four perfect roses!

Immediately tears welled up in my eyes. I turned to hug him and thank him for being so thoughtful on the heels of being so sick. He hugged me back and said. “Honey I love you so much and I just want you to know that.”

I leaned forward and placed my nose near the bouquet. I allowed the fragrance to fill my spirit and I thanked God for a man who loved me dearly and for allowing us this moment.

A few days later, I took a picture of those roses and I tucked it away. However, today I don’t need to look for the picture; for those white roses and their beautiful scent pop into my head and my senses anytime I need to see them. I just close my eyes and there they are…twenty-four perfect roses.

Scripture: If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn’t love others, I would only be making a meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn’t love others, what good would I be? I Corinthians 13: 1-2 (NLT)

Prayer: Lord, God, as the years have passed I am even more grateful for the love you allowed me to share, feel and experience with Ruben. As I enter the fourth year of his home-going, I am stronger for the struggle yet softer in spirit. I have learned to appreciate every moment with people I love, to tell them I love them often and to embrace life and its challenges as them come. Thank you Father for the blessing of joy and a life worth loving.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

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