ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Sweet memories sneak through the creases of my brain, Stored treasures from my youth come forth with such a loud refrain. I sometimes think no mountain is too tall, and then I stumble and I fall. The bumps along the road will not deter me. I will not cave to age and feeble fears. Though life may quickly run its fitful race, the Lord is right there dying in my place, He lifts me up when I grow weary – carries me when I grow weak. He clears the way though dark and dreary – even when it seems too bleak. Life can last until a hundred, but our minds revert to things long passed. Childish thoughts and empty wishes, stay with us until our last. On my heart these words are written. I will say them with my tongue. Jesus lives and I’ll remain – after death – forever young.

Today is the second Valentine’s Day I will spend without my one and only love. He has taken up residency in Heaven with our Savior for just a little over a year. I miss him every single day. I’m reminded of him through all the beautiful pieces of art he created. I think of him when I look at a beautiful scene in nature and how much he loved being outdoors exploring every inch of it. My mind travels back in time to when we first met, our first kiss, our pledge to love each other until death parted us. I think of all the Valentine’s Days we spent together – perhaps at a special restaurant, but more likely, just the two of us at home with a glass of wine and a delicious meal. I remember there were always flowers. Some of those years he gave me a special painting with words of love commemorating the day. I will hold each of those fond memories in my heart until I join him in eternity. My love for him will never die.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. I HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD A GODLY HUSBAND. THANK YOU FOR EVERY DAY I WAS ALLOWED TO BE HIS WIFE.