Remember The Sweet Things

I wish I could take credit for the title of this post, but credit goes to the author of the book by that title, Ellen Greene.

I read a book last week that has stayed on my mind. I found it's message very powerful, her story really touched my heart. She has inspired me to do as she suggests and I will Remember The Sweet Things.

In my head I have been meditating on?conjuring up?dwelling upon?working on a post about how this story has affected me. I was so moved to even seek out the author to find a way to let her know what I was feeling in reaction to her book.

Imagine my surprise at having a published author respond to my post. Now compound that feeling. This morning I got another email from Ellen Greene. It read:

Karen,
I took the liberty of posting your oh so nice feedback on my blog (www.ellengreene.org), as my web master suggests I do with especially well written letters. I protected your privacy by changing your and Brent's names. I hope you don't mind.
My best,
Ellen
 
If you follow either of the links above, you will find the words I used to try to share my thoughts. Please go there now and read them. I have not been able to draft anything better than the words I gave her. You can also click here to go directly to the post of my comment. When your eyes see the name Brad, read Brent; when you see the name Karla, read Karen.
 
I hope you will read her book Remember The Sweet Things. I hope you will enjoy their life's journey through twenty years of marriage. I hope you, too, will be inspired by her words.
 
I want to remember the urgency I felt after losing my Mama, to express my love to my family, my children, and especially to my best friend, my lover, my husband, Brent.
I want to remember to be present, to be aware of those wonderful little moments that should be imprinted upon my heart and memory.
I want to remember to enjoy the journey, the ups and the down, hard times and good, and as I vowed for better for worse.
 
I suppose being able to see the 50 year mark coming so quickly upon me that I have realized this time we have together is not infinite. I want to share my heart, I want him to know me.
 
By an amazing coincidence of timing, I finished this book in the wee hours of Valentine's Day morning. This post, tho' late, is my valentine to you, Brent. iloveyou. Always.