From my grandfather to my grandmother, sent when he was stationed in India during the war, 1945:
Darling,
Here's another remembrance for the most wonderful wife in the world...I wish more than anything else that I were with you but being as I cannot I'm sending this, along with all my love.
Forever yours, Bill
P.S. I love you
A few years ago I found this note. Folded neatly and tucked beneath the jewels he had sent in a little red box, it sat, carefully tucked in a drawer where my grandmother had stowed it. I shared with my grandfather my discovery. He was all tears, remembering the day he picked out the set of earrings and ring. He had spent what little savings he kept for himself while away, wanting to send her a token remembrance of how much he pined for her. My grandfather had no idea she had kept the red box and its contents for nearly 60 years. It was a sweet moment, both of us remembering her and how much she filled our lives with love. It's a memory I treasure, especially now they have both gone.
I'm wearing her earrings today, the ones he sent - a valentine of sorts to a prized grandmother. For I have loved very few souls more than she.
Happy Saint Valentine's Day to you, dear people. xo, S