And Finally Spring

Madison Square Park
May 1, 2011
(Taken by author)

Spring has been slow in coming to NY but last weekend, we had the spectacular combination of warm (but not hot) and sunny to highlight the fast ripening beauty of spring all over NY.  As we approached Madison Square Park, these candy-colored tulips just leapt into our visual pathways and exploded upon retina and occipital lobes.  Finally, the days of black and white are over for the next 6 months.  My garden will soon blossom chives while the hellebores, bleeding hearts, and azaleas brilliant color swatches to the garden canvas.
Sunday was also a special day on an entirely different level-I quietly celebrated my 23rd anniversary with the man who has brought such joy and love to my life. Here's looking at you-for at least another 32!!!

All my Lovin'

To all my family and dear friends,

While Hallmark and Hershey's have tried to drag Valentine's Day over the edge (I won't even mention Victoria's Secret), I still think of today as a day to smile and give thanks for all those I love.  Today, I send out special love to one dear friend in particular-Glenda, this is for you.

Forgive me, I should have called sooner

There is no excuse, no rational cause

You were on my mind, I sensed you in need

And I always tell others-now, do it now!

I wish you were nearer, I would be of more use

I would love to bring you soup

Rub your back, brush your hair

Or just sit by quietly at your side

There are no words I know I can say

You have paid your dues twice and again and again

You deserve better after all you have given others

Just know we are here, will do all we can

Be proud of all you have done and will do

One has grown tall and will make you so overjoyed

Another has stood by your side, with love you share

And countless who have gazed at your historical visions

For me, I can say you no better friend there is

From days long ago in the lab to right now

We have shared our hopes, fears and struggles

I am honored to call you dear friend.

A Story I Have to Tell

She came in for her second post-operative visit right after the holidays.  As always, by her side was her cuddly husband.  After dispensing with the medical stuff (she was doing well), I gently teased them about dressing alike (they were wearing these lovely bright blue and navy clothes that seemed like a matched set!). "Well," she said,"I guess it just happens that way after 55 years-we just celebrated our anniversary." I couldn't let that go so after congratulating them I enquired further why they had married so close to Christmas.  To my utter surprise, they had soon spun out a bewitching tale that to me captures so much that is good about the rich history of our country that I just couldn't keep it to myself.
Mr. M was raised in coal country, West Virginia.  His family had been miners and knew no other life-had never left their local community nor completed any formal education.  After a year in the mines, Mr. M got his draft card-the Korean War was on and all his buddies were heading to the Army for just a two year stint but somehow, Mr. M knew that was not his fate.  He joined the Air Force, promising not 2 but 4 years.  Talking as if were just yesterday, this man then related how nearly all of his friends perished in the war while the Air Force gave him experience and talent, so much so that he became an engineer using the GI Bill.
Along the way, he met Mrs. M.  She completed college before him and when he asked her to move to his college town and help him finish by going to work, she calmly told him-"Only if you marry me!" Thus the holiday wedding-the only time they could fit in so he could complete his demanding engineering degree.  After college, he gained ever more prestigious jobs as an engineer and ultimately they settled in New York.  They have raised 4 successful children and are now enjoying many grandchildren.  They are active and engaged and clearly still in love after 55 years.
Perhaps I cheated Mrs. M during her post-op visit-we talked very little about her or the surgery but she didn't seem to mind.  She was glowing as they alternately told parts of the story, each completing the other's sentences as only long married couples can do.  The visit certainly suffused me with post-holiday cheer, I imagine every Christmas season is particularly special for Mr. and Mrs. M.