The Good

A surprise on Valentine's Day

as the Fed Ex truck pulled into my driveway

and the driver promptly rang the bell.

I immediately knew it was flowers as

the green box proudly displayed PRO FLOWERS

on the side.

Having no significant other or even a potential one,

the arrival puzzled me.

Upon further inspection of the box,

I was delighted when I saw it was addressed to my daughter, Becky.

There was only one person I could imagine sending them to her

but I dared not hope as he has never, ever, in 18 years

acknowledged her at Valentine's Day.

I carefully (well, I tried to be careful)

opened the box to find a lovely bouquet,

a Teddy Bear and a small box of chocolates.

My heart was racing as I searched high and low,

inside and outside

for a card.

It took me quite some time to locate it but my heart

almost jumped right out of my chest.

It indeed, was from her Dad.

After ALL of these years, her DAD recongzined,

if even for a brief, fleeting moment

(I apologize for my cynacism but it comes with

valid history).

I have to tell you,

I have never, ever

been so completely overwhelemed by a delivery before.

I will confess. 

I cried.

And then I cried some more.

I couldn't wait until Becky got home!

As we walked in the door,

she quielty asked if there were any Valentine's cards for her,

as she has done all of these years,

always hoping for one from Dad.

Imagine her utter shock at what she

saw sitting on the counter, for her.

Yes, she shook.

Yes, she cried.

Yes, I cried.

I've tried to tell him (beg him, badger him, plead with him)

all of these years how important he is to his children.

Yesterday, he did it.

He showed her his love.

And this mother's heart is full.

If I never have flowers delivered to me in this lifetime,

I will be OK.

My daughter is happy today.

That's all that matters.

I am sorry there is no photo.  They were all taken on her camera which she took

to school to show her teachers and friends.

These are the flowers she insisted

we go into town to buy, for me, from her,

with my money.

See how love grows?