A smile crossed my face.  The yellow cover was unmistakably familiar.  Dr. Seuss’ ‘There’s a Wocket in My Pocket’.  Accompanying it was a copy of her favorite children’s book.

Sighing wistfully, it occurred to me there was no better way for her to lend encouragement and let me know she believed in me.

—

As expected, my day turned out to be quite hectic.  Our staff meeting resulted in multiple tasks being assigned and delegated.  We always seemed to be strapped for resources. 

Sitting now on the couch in my apartment, I enjoyed the quiet the personal space provided.  A thoughtful smile came over my face as I reached for Bette’s gift.  I contemplated leaving the items at work but wanted – at least for now – to treasure them privately.

So instead the bag stayed secure in my car until my day ended.  It now rested on the table in front of me.  Carefully, I reached in to retrieve the children’s books. 

Surprised, I saw a third item previously hidden by the surrounding tissue.  It was a small book of quotations bound in a gold embossed bonded-leather cover.  A small envelope marked a page.  Naturally it immediately fell onto the surface of my desk when I tried to leaf through the pages. 

I placed the book face down on top of the other two leaving it opened to the marked page to retrieve the fallen item.

The envelope contained two tickets for the CAC’s ‘Sculptures: Three Dimensions’ exhibit.  I fished out the folded note with the tickets. Bette’s familiar handwriting filled the small sheet.

Tina,

I’ve been meaning to give you a copy of this, a much-loved favorite of mine.  Presented now with a perfect opportunity to do so.  A contribution to get the collection started for your library.  I’m confident you’ll persevere.  They’re fortunate to have you.  Well done!

Also, let’s take a moment to celebrate our past in remembrance of this day.  For the miracle of having shared your life with me, thank you.  Wishing you the best for tomorrow and always. 

Tickets for Saturday enclosed.  I hope you can both make it. 

Bette

Today.  How could it have slipped my mind?  Then again Bette’s memory had always been superior to mine for these dates.  She always took care to mark the occasion. 

My practical nature was not as attentive. 

Regrettably our anniversary passed without meriting celebration but she’s right, that milestone was just as meaningful having changed both our lives.  Looking around the apartment, my thoughts brought me back in time, to our past.   

There was no fault in remembering.