Happy Valentine's Day

 My father-in-law Gus passed away on Valentine’s Day 2009 and this weekend 12 years later I’m releasing My Darling Naki:  A Love Story in Letters.

There’s no perfect day, this Valentines’ Day  to tell the love story of my in-laws written through the hand of my husband’s father who became Dad to me too. 

He fell in love with the woman of his dreams during a chance meeting during WWII and started his correspondence to her which lasted four years. They married for 64 years having only seen each other in person less than a handful of times. Extraordinary.  

Quite by accident we discovered these letters, and they tell a magical love story.  One for all ages really.  When I read them I learned that it’s possible to love someone at first sight.  

That the written word can be as binding as the spoken one.

That time heals and shared values matter. 

That honesty, courage, communication, commitment, and trust are the root of bedrock relationships.

That life doesn’t happen in a straight line and the moments we get are ours to make the most of.   

I saw a man of integrity. And I was reminded of what my Dad once told me:  “Anthea if someone loves you they will go to the ends of the earth for you”. 

I discovered there is such a thing as love at first sight.  Gus writes of thinking to himself upon seeing Irene for the first time how one day “he will marry that girl.”

My husband tells me that the very first time he saw me he leaned over to a buddy and said, Keith, “I’m going to marry that girl.”  I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. 

On this Valentine’s Day embrace those who love you like there’s no tomorrow.  Enjoy the love that you are blessed with and have fun.  Gus and Irene would have wanted that and showed us all the way.  

Give the gift of a love story today.  Please support My Darling Naki: A Love Story in Letters and have a wonderful holiday.

With a dozen roses and lots of gratitude I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.