“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
—Oprah Winfrey
The limo breaking down is a metaphor for someone who sticks by you through thick and thin no matter what. My wife Cecile, embodies that
kind of love. She is my true soulmate defined by someone who does not judge you for your flaws or your jagged edges. A soulmate is someone who upon witnessing those things, chooses to stand by your side; always encouraging you to heal on your own time, in your own way, and if there was any doubt would always say, “We’re going to get through this together."
Valentine’s Day is one of those days when I realize anew how lucky I am that that Cecile and I found each other. It's not like I forget on the other days of the year, but at this special time, it becomes much clearer to me that being with her since the early 70s has been a blessing.
So to the most important woman in my life I want to add thanks for being you and for being mine. My best friend and the love of my life
You’re the most amazing, thoughtful, compassionate woman I know and I am fortunate enough to call you my wife. Thanks for bearing raising two wonderful, well-adjusted humans (Jason and Michelle) who work hard, are enjoying a good life, and still enjoy traveling and being with us. Last but not least for being a devoted grandmother to Lyla and her baby sister Emmy that have given us so much joy during the advent of our golden years.
I end with a short poetic offering by John P. Read called:
‘Our Love’
L is for ‘laughter’ we had along the way.
O is for ‘optimism’ you gave me every day.
V is for ‘value’ of being my best friend
E is for 'eternity,’ a love that has no end.
Cecile and I wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. May you celebrate love in whatever form it may come, including your furry friends and most of all loving your self.
