The Glorious Field of Red

The table had been set with care, all that was needed was its all important guest.  The flowers danced around in the breeze waiting in anticipation .  The time once again had come.  Let the celebration begin!

The red carpet had been rolled out.  A grander carpet you could not find.  It was perfect! The flowers were so many, counting them would be like trying to count the stars in the sky.

Time was passing,  where was she?  After all these years she was never late!  She never missed the date.  The teapot was full and the chairs stood erect, they were waiting.

“Hurry please my dear! I must not be late!”  “Are you sure that I look fine?”

The granddaughter smiled. ” Oh Grandma you look divine, I love the way your eyes shine!”

She smiled at her granddaughter’s words, not only did her eyes shine, but her heart as well, for true love it did hold.

The clock chimed, it was time.  She made her way to the door, leaving a misty eyed but smiling granddaughter behind.  Her granddaughter understood even if some others never would.

This was a special day.   For 55 years this day had held a lot of meaning.  How could she just forget?  Her husband’s birthday was today, a day to celebrate.  All the joy he had brought her through his years could not be put into words.  Every year they had a special date out in this glorious field of red.  Every year she got out her special china, setting the table just right. They  would dine for awhile and then he would stand up with a smile,  and put out his hand asking if she would care to dance in the glorious field of red.  No music was needed, the song was in their hearts.  No words were needed as they let their eyes speak.  She felt pure bliss as she swayed with her head on his shoulder.

Her husband had been gone for 10 years now but why should the celebration of this special day end?   The years may have passed, but his memory still was strong.  She would continue celebrating him,  and on this day she would remember him in this special way.   For as long as she could she would recreate one of the wonderful memories that his birthday held.  She poured herself a cup of tea and felt his love speak to her in the gentle breeze.

His love flowed all around her and she raised her cup of tea in a toast to his memory.

She gently put the cup down, got up from the table, and faced his chair where she curtsied. She felt his left hand hold her right hand, and his right hand gently on her back. She placed her left hand on his shoulder and, as the music started, she waltzed once again through the glorious field of red. When the music ended, he bowed to her, and she curtsied in response. She gave him a radiant smile that only he ever saw. “Same time next year?” she asked. “Same time next year!” he replied. She turned and made her way back to her table… and her cup of tea.

The last paragraph is thanks to Colin! He wrote it in the comments. I was touched by it and thought it fit perfectly, so I  had to add it!  🙂