For 63 Years, My Husband Gave Me Flowers Every Valentine’s Day – After He Died, Another Bouquet Arrived, Along with Keys to an Apartment That Held His Secret

I wanted to give you something you couldn’t refuse or argue about. Something that was just for you.

This piano is yours now. This studio is yours. Play again, my love.

And know that even though I’m gone, I’m still here. In every note. In every chord. In every song.

I loved you from the moment I saw you in that college library with sheet music tucked under your arm. I loved you when you were 20 and when you were 80. I’ll love you forever.

Always yours, Robert.”

“Even though I’m gone, I’m still here.”

I folded the letter carefully and put it in my pocket.

Then I looked around the studio one more time.

I vowed to come back. Because Robert had given me more than a secret. He’d given me back the dream.

***

I visit the studio twice a week now. Sometimes I play. Sometimes I just listen to his recordings.

My daughter came with me once. I played one of Robert’s recordings for her.

Robert had given me more than a secret.

My fingers stumbled in a few places. The tempo wasn’t quite right. But it was full of love.

She cried when she heard it.

Last week, I recorded my first piece in 60 years. My hands aren’t as nimble as they used to be. I made mistakes. Had to start over several times. But I finished it.

I labeled the recording: “For Robert.” And I placed it on the shelf next to all of his.

Now we’re together again. In the only way that matters.

For 63 years, he gave me flowers. And from beyond, he gave me back the dream I’d forgotten I had.

We’re together again.

Did this story remind you of something from your own life? Feel free to share it in the Facebook comments.

Here’s another story: I thought marrying my childhood sweetheart at 71 was proof that love always finds its way back. Then, at the reception, a stranger approached me and said, “He’s not who you think he is.” She slipped me an address. I went there the next day, convinced I was about to lose everything I’d just found.