The Letter

It was a hot summer day when I found the letter lying on the ground. It was an ordinary day, filled with grocery shopping, errands, and picking the kids up from school. And when I picked up the piece of paper, lying up against my rose bush, I thought it was only a piece of trash that I had found. But the words, "I love you," stood out to me and I soon found myself reading one of the most beautiful love letters I had ever read.

I know you. You are so busy you almost did not pick up this piece of paper. You are always in such a rush. I see you, beautiful and flushed, rushing here and there. You are so busy caring for those around you. I wonder…do you ever do anything to care for yourself? Do you ever go for a walk or read a book or pamper yourself the way that you deserve to be pampered? Do you feel appreciated by the ones you do so many things for? If not, let me say this to you.

Even though you don't realize it, I know you. I have watched you from afar and admired you for so long. You are so beautiful. Your big brown eyes twinkle with surprise when you laugh. Your laughter is like a song. I love the way you brush your hair from your face and I love the way it gleams in the sunlight.

How I long to touch you and kiss the softness of those incredible lips! I know what you must be thinking…."

My face was flushed and an incredible warmth spread over me as I folded the letter and stuffed it into my purse. I was late in picking up the kids, so I knew the rest of the letter would have to wait. My heart was pounding so hard. I felt absolutely giddy with excitement. I couldn't help but wonder who had written such a letter, or even if the letter was even meant for me. I have brown hair and brown eyes, but so do lots of other women. I stay busy, but then again, so do lots of other women.

I also realized that if the letter was, in fact, for me…perhaps I should be frightened rather than flattered.. After all, someone was obviously watching me. And that was very unnerving…even if that someone was very romantic.

*****

After I picked the kids up from school I made dinner, anticipating reading the rest of the letter. I felt so silly, and didn't even know that the letter was meant for me. I also felt a bit voyeuristic at reading such intimate thoughts if they were meant for someone else.

When I heard Doug pull into the driveway, I rushed over to my purse to make sure the letter was still safely tucked away. I wasn't sure how I would explain such a letter if he was to find it. And I almost felt guilty for even having it.

When the front door opened, the kids went through their usual squeals of delight, saying "Daddy's home! Daddy's home!" It was always one of my favorite times of the day, seeing them jump on him and seeing his face light up at the abundance of love that came his way each evening when he walked through the door. Doug has always been a wonderful father as well as a wonderful husband. Due to a new business Doug was starting, however, he was away from home a lot, but we both knew it was only temporary. When Doug walked into the kitchen and plopped a kiss on my cheek and asked about my day, I felt flushed and answered in my usual way….and asked him if he was hungry because dinner was ready. Fortunately, his tummy took precedence over any more inquiries about my day.

I felt so strange all evening….almost as if I had been unfaithful or something, and all because of the letter. I knew deep down that was a ridiculous notion….but I was dying to finish the letter. I planned to wait for Doug to fall sound asleep.

*************

Later, long after the kids were asleep, I climbed into bed beside of Doug and pretended to be very tired. I reached over and kissed him softly on the cheek, yawned, and mumbled, "Oh, I am so tired."

Doug smiled in an understanding way and said, "Me too. It's been a long day. Let's get a good night's sleep." I lay quietly and listened until I heard Doug's breathing become slow and regular, intermingled with tiny little snores. When I knew that he was sound asleep, I rose quietly from the bed and tiptoed down the stairs. I went into the kitchen and found my purse. And inside the purse I found the letter tucked safely away. My hands trembled as I unfolded the letter, and began to read:

How I long to touch you and kiss the softness of those incredible lips! I know what you must be thinking….

But I cannot help the way that I feel. When I gaze upon your beauty, it is like a breath of sunlight in my day. I pray that I am not overwhelming you with all of these feelings, for I myself feel somewhat overwhelmed. I am not usually so open about the way that I feel. But it seems I can no longer keep these feelings inside.

Am I frightening you? I hope not, for I would never seek to cause you anything but that which would make you laugh or smile.

I know you. I know you have a adventurous spirit and a giving heart. Each day I see you makes me look forward to another day of living.

You don't really know me, but I know you well. Forgive me for keeping myself hidden from you. You deserve the best and I have kept it hidden. This is to let you know that I love

you. I look forward to tomorrow because I know I will hear the music of your laughter. You enrich my life. And I am so glad that I chose you to share my life with. Love always, Doug

 I reached up and wiped the tears from my eyes. I couldn't believe it! It was Doug. My Doug had written this beautiful romantic love letter. It had never even entered my mind that it could be him. But why? Why was I so quick to believe that I had a secret admirer? What if it really had been? Could I have so easily been swept off of my feet? Was I that needy? Was I that ungrateful for my husband?

I gently folded the precious letter and climbed the stairs. I tiptoed back into the bedroom and placed the letter in my jewelry box. Then I turned toward the bed where my darling Doug lay sleeping. I crept over and lay beside him, with my back to him. Instinctively he turned and began to spoon me…putting his arm around me. As I nestled closer to him, and felt the most loved I had felt in a very long time. And I knew, without a doubt, that he and I belonged together. Things were as they should be.