She wrote, yesterday it rained, and brought back memories. I remember you.
Waiting for me with your umbrella, the wind almost turning it inside out.
You were so worried that I'd get wet.
I remember that when it snowed you insisted that you drive. I remember all those nights we cuddled by the fireplace.
When the children came along, I remember how you took them for sleigh rides and hot chocolate. I so enjoyed our summer vacations at the shore.
I want you to know my darling, on this are fortieth anniversary, I remember.
Happy Anniversary
I love you.
**
Upon retiring for the night he found her note on his pillow. Though it was late he took pen and paper and he wrote:
My darling, I'm the one who is grateful for the sacrifices you made. You were happy with just a scarf, that first Christmas it was all I could afford.
We have been blessed with three of the most beautiful children. It was you made them what they are.
He laid the note on her nightstand and gently kissed her cheek.
I love you
Happy Anniversary
**
Upon waking in the morning she found his note propped up against the lamp on her nightstand. Sitting up on the bed she read it. And when she finished it she clutched it to her chest. Soft tears streaming down her face.
Hearing him coming up the stairs, she quickly dabbed her eyes with edge of her robe. Wanting to make sure she was a awake he called softly to her called softly to her. "Sweetheart are you awake?"
"Yes, Martin, come in"
In his hand he held a tray. "I think you deserve breakfast in bed at the very least today," he smiled. ButÖ his smile turned to worry as he drew closer to the bed.
"Carolina, what's wrong darling?"
"You've been crying!"
She reached over and covered her hand over his. "If you must knowÖ I've been thinking of all the wonderful years you've given me."
Softly she spoke. "In forty years I've never looked at another man. There was never a moment when I didn't miss you when we were apart. Today, I realize more than ever how lucky I am"
Before she could utter another word he stopped her with a kiss.
"You are the only woman I have ever loved."
The doorbell rang interrupting what he was about to say nextÖ "I'll be right back."
When he returned he presented her with a vase of forty long stem roses. "Happy Anniversary Darling. Thank you for forty years of memories.

Editors Note: Reach Out would like to thank J. Phyllis Baker for this interesting article. Ms. Baker has been a very generous contributor to Reach Out. She is an excellent writer and we look forward to more of her articles in the future.