This is the third Valentines Day with my beloved on the other side.  On this day of pronounced love, a day for lovers, I can’t help but think about the treasure of love I have experienced for many years with the Yeti.

He was such a romantic man.  He wouldn’t be ashamed to admit it either.  The gestures of sweetness over our decade together are eternally memorable.  Valentines day was but one day of celebration of our love.  We loved so deeply, every day was Valentines for us.

When I visited him, he offered comfort, warmth and companionship.  Many times we shared a bottle of wine by candle light, listening to our favourite music.  Kitchen dances brought the closeness we craved while we continued to live miles apart.

Sometimes, our friends teased us, because we were so “sappy”.  That’s okay, though.  We were in love.  We made each others lives better, richer, happier.  There’s nothing wrong with that, sappy or not.  The world could use more love.

With that love, we inspired others to look at their partners again with appreciation.  Many people have expressed their renewed intention to be a better partner, to have a better relationship.

Today is the third Valentines day without my sweet Yeti here in person.  As I left the house today, I caught myself feeling tears coming up.  I said to myself, no, that’s not how today is going to go.  Today, I am going to remember the beautiful words he wrote, the times he stepped through my door with a large bouquet of flowers in his arms, telling me “my sweetheart needs her flowers”.  I am going to settle in the love that he gave to me each day of our relationship.

I know I was, and am still so blessed to have known such a pure, tender and true love in my life.  A man who expressed his love to me deeply and honestly and completely.  I am blessed to have had him love me for the rest of his life, and I guarantee, no matter what my future holds, I will continue to love him for the rest of mine.