This year, on Valentine’s Day, I had a long chat with my elderly father — about living and loving and about seeing his sweetheart, my mother, becoming more and more encapsulated in a world called dementia.  This is for you, Mom and Dad — a belated Valentine.

After Valentine’s Day

You brought me flowers

And I loved you.

When their petals have fallen

And their colors have faded

I will love you still.

♥

You brought me candy,

And I loved you.

When the sweetness is done,

And the ribbons are frayed,

I will love you still.

♥

You were young and handsome,

And I loved you.

When wrinkles have grown,

Where your muscles were firm,

I will love you still.

♥

You danced into my heart,

And I loved you.

When our steps have slowed,

And we hold tight for balance,

I will love you still

♥

You lit up my world with your eyes,

And I loved you.

When the light grows dim,

And the flame burns low,

I will love you still.

♥

I will hold tight your hand,

And gaze into your eyes.

With the eyes of my soul,

I’ll again see the beauty,

The sweetness,  the memories

Created and shared.

In my heart, I will dance

In the light of  your love

And I will love you

Still.

♥   ♥   ♥   ♥   ♥

©Pamela Stead Jones 2011