"Happy Anniversary, My Dear" 'Happy Valentine's Day, My Beloved"

                                                                                  “Happy Anniversary, My Dear” 
                                                                           “Happy Valentine’s Day, My Beloved”
                                                                                            Bob Warkenton

          The old man’s pillow was fluffed by the caregiver and gently put behind his back. She had just shaved his aged, wrinkled face and combed his hair. He looked regal in his pajamas as he sat upright in bed staring at the open door.
          “Good morning my dear,” his wife said cheerfully walking in taking his hand. She sat down in the chair beside the bed looking lovingly at him.
          Barely audible the man spoke, “Today is our 65th wedding anniversary and today is also Valentine’s Day. The same day we were married 65 years ago.”
          “Yes, I know,” the wife spoke quietly. “I have gifts for you.”
          The old man smiled. “Yes, Sweetie, and I’ve given you my gift for you today by fulfilling my pledge to stay alive until today,” pausing, he took a shallow breath, then continued, “to celebrate our 65th anniversary on Valentine’s Day together.”
          “Thank you so much. Let me give you yours.” The lady’s hand shook as she took a cigarette out of a new pack of Viceroys and set it on the bedside table. “I’ll go get you a light my love.”
          She slowly made her way out of the room returning with a lighter, a small crystal glass and a half-pint bottle of Jim Beam. She poured the glass midway full of bourbon, emptying half the small bottle. She handed it to her husband who drank it down in one sip. “Ah, that’s good stuff! Thank you, my beautiful wife.”
          She put the cigarette in his mouth and lit it.
          The old man drew deeply then exhaled slowly. “My, that is the greatest gift yet,” he said smiling. “Happy Anniversary my dear.” His voice faded.
          “Happy Valentine’s Day my beloved husband.”
          The man nodded forward. His wife took the cigarette from him as his eyes turned pale and closed for the last time.
          “And Happy Anniversary to you too my love,” she said tearfully, placing his hands over his heart. “Goodbye.”