I should hesitate to disagree with the words of the esteemed poet, W. H. Auden:
“I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.”
but I must.
The fifty letters were written in our youth and for some inexplicable reason traveled with us during the more than half century we shared.
And on the October day in 1951 when I embraced them with the narrow cord of blue ribbon, I never realized how they would serve me throughout the years.
I keep them secluded where the daily complications of life do not invade their space.
They have no worth, but I do not want them tarnished by another’s touch. They are the only thing I could not bear to share.
And they only emerge when desperately needed.
Last night was such a time, and once more the words of my beloved helped heal my pain.
I could be a romantic and call them love letters, but that would be a fallacy. They are so much more than words of undying affection or sentimental phrases.
They record a lifetime that was complicated in many ways.
There were stresses caused by many separations and demands due to his career.
And still enhanced by a mutual Faith in our Maker that kept us bound throughout our given time together.
They reflect our belief not only in each other, but a pride in our Fabulous four as each arrived separately throughout the years.
His words also record an undying faith in America.
As the dates on each letter move forward in time, the belief in the country he served so well is recorded,
The opaque paper is parchment thin now. Yet the words written in blue ink have remained vibrant and pertinent and still quite visible.
An accident? Who knows!
It is so easy to romanticize yesterday, and such a temptation.
When reading the choices we made as young lovers and then very young parents, I remember the complications we overcame.
I feel renewed strength in facing those I now fear.
The fragile packet of his written words also recall our mutual belief that we would never be alone again.
And as I retie the faded ribbon and secure my treasure, I dare to disagree with the oft quoted words originated by W. H. Auden.
The faded words confirm the writer and I believed that our love would last for ever.
We were right.
