Jan’s Silk Scarf
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes, 53 seconds
Walking in Toronto
As much as I wanted to walk back to the hotel, I asked Jan, “Do you want to walk or take a Lyft?” The sky was filled with stars, and a warm breeze blew the leaves on the trees. “Let’s walk.” She responded. I kissed her lips and said, “Thank you.”
“I have always been amazed by your sense of direction,” Jan said with a puzzled look on her face.
“I have always had a good sense of direction.”
“Even in a city, you have never been in before.”
“Yes.”
“I am glad I am walking with you.”
“Me too, my dear. My sense of direction has gotten better since I met you.”
“No way.”
“Your love has not only made me a better person. You are my true north star!“
Jan’s face blushed as she shook her head. She was not fluent in the language of love, especially in public, but I loved her so much it did not matter.
Although we walked the final blocks to the hotel in silence, I loved her more than when I met her.
I wanted to keep walking with her forever.
Nothing in my wildest imagination could have convinced me at that moment that we would only have one more anniversary to celebrate together.
Hotel Room Overlooking Lake Ontario
“Why don’t you go to the bathroom first, my dear, and I will go get ice for you.” Jan smiled as I helped her out of her light jacket. “Thanks, I do need to use the bathroom,” she said. I turned and gave her a quick kiss. “So you will not forget me…”
As soon as she went into the bathroom, I placed the package with the scarf on her pillow. I had not had time to wrap it or prepare a card, as we were on vacation.
When I returned with the ice, Jan had a humorous frown on her face as she stood in front of the windows overlooking lovely Lake Ontario.
“You shouldn’t have purchased the scarf!”
“You liked it, and you looked beautiful when you tried it on.”
“But I have nothing for you!”
She embraced and kissed me.
“Thanks, I love it so very much. I can’t wait until I can wear it!”
I kissed her. I pulled away reluctantly as I needed to put the ice bucket on the dresser.
“Why don’t you get ready for bed, and I am sure I can find some way to thank you tonight,” Jan said with a seductive purr.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
