I guess you could say that it was at that moment that the course of my life was set. Although I couldn't identity the emotion at that time, it was then that I fell in love--for the first time in my life. It was the summer of 1954. I was twenty-one. Three years later we married.

He is my Husband, my Companion, my Partner. He is --

One day as l wandered along a path, l saw a lonely shrub. So shriveled and lifeless, and almost hid, amongst the weeds and scrub. I stood, and I wondered just what it was, that bush so hidden there, I thought that I saw it reach out and cry--a silent, anguished prayer.

I watched for awhile, and I saw a man come stoop beside the shoot. "A ROSE" he exclaimed, and so tenderly he dug around the root. He watered and tended it carefully from that day on until he saw a small bud which began to form. Then how his heart did thrill!

Alas! ‘ere long, the bush did grow, and the bud became full bloom. Its fragrance and beauty did all around expel any shadow of gloom. It brought much joy to the man who cared: it became his joy and pride. And to many-a-stranger who passed that way, that rose did cheer provide.

I, like that shrub, many years ago, was shriveled, and lonely, and scared, ‘tiI I met a man who believed in me, and showed me he really cared. He saw in me a beautiful Rose. I became his joy and pride. And then one day, as the time went on, he took me for his bride.

And down through the years he’s proven to me, his true, devoted care. When my soul feels dry, and my life seems drab, I know he will always be there. He waters my life with joy and love. Seeds of kindness he scatters wide....I love you, my Gardener, and always will. I’m happy to be by your side.

© Helen Dowd