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A Love Story
By Barry Brooks

Cupid rocked the boat for Barry Brooks, who then found the love of his life.

This is the easiest of stories to write. Yes, it is a love story—a story that has transcended almost thirty-five years on this planet, but I am convinced one that has reconnected our souls for eternity. We reunited in this lifetime when, meeting on a boat, it suddenly rocked and helped push Susan into my arms for that very first kiss. We both felt it, we both knew it. We found each other.

Our love story is not just one experience and not made up of just one adventure. Ours is a love that grows with each day. The passion of our youth has blended into a passion for our children, our work, our play, our just being together—continuing to grow and reach together emotionally, spiritually.

After thirty-two years of marriage, do I see wrinkles on her face? What I see is the sparkle in her eyes shining as brightly as when I first met her. I see her curvaceous body, which still sets my own body alarm jingling. I see her vivacity and aliveness and eagerness to embrace the world about her. I see her passion to serve others. I see the flowing red curls of her hair embracing her beautiful face. How I love to look at her. Wrinkles? Why waste time looking for something of so little consequence.

And so, this perhaps is not a story at all with a beginning, middle, and end. For this "story" is everlasting, and never-ending. It is enduring, and nurturing, and fulfilling, and loving, and...



A Letter from Daddy
Submitted by Kathleen G. Knab

Nothing is certain in war. Yet out of a love, a father writes to his toddler to reassure her, and lets her know that Daddy loves her and wants to be home. Kathleen Knab writes: "Attached is a love letter that I received when I was almost two years old.

"My father is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having fought throughout Europe during World War II. He left my mother and me for active duty when I was all of three weeks old, and we would not see him again until I was three.

"I recognized my father when he came home as I had his picture taped to my crib... I used to peek around the corner and tell my grandmother, 'Dama, Daddy's kissing Mommy again.'

"I would like to thank my father and all the many thousands of men and women who fought so valiantly to preserve the freedoms and privileges we have today. My mother and father shared forty-nine loving years together. I am sure that Dad treasures many memories, and I continue to treasure him."

April 1945
Germany

Dear Kathy,

Daddy is finally getting around to answering your sweet little letter. The one you wrote so long ago. It seems such a long time ago, and yet it's even longer since I last saw my little girl. Mommy sends me your pictures all the time and I can see that you are getting to be a big girl. Pretty too. Daddy loves you so very much. All I ever think about is wanting to see you and wondering what you will say and do when you see me. I'm sending you a picture. It's not very good, but you ask Mommy to give you a better one to keep for your very own.

How did you like your first train ride to Buffalo? I hope you were a good girl and didn't give Mother any trouble. I'll bet Grandma was glad to see you and made a big fuss over you. Your two aunts, too. Wait until I come home. We are going for lots of train rides; auto rides, too. Just Mommy, you, (and) I. We will go all over and make up for all the fun we have missed since I've been away. Mommy tells me that you are a spoiled baby, but I don't believe her. (Don't tell her I said that, or she will be mad at me). If I were home, I would rock you to sleep every night, and I wouldn't let her stop me. It would be swell to hear you say, "Daddy, take your baby."

Don't forget Mother's Day, which will be here very soon. You want to do something for Daddy? Okay—go out by the spring and pick some early spring flowers and give them to Mommy on Mother's Day. Tell her they are from you and I to the best little girl in the world.

I have to close for now. I have lots of work to do. Don't forget to be a good little girl, always. I miss you so very much and can't wait until I can see you.

All my love and kisses,
Daddy

E-Mail the author: cupid@fivestarpublications.com

ISBN 978-1-877749-35-3
$ 12.95
Published by Five Star Publications, Inc.
Paperback
137pp.