Valentine’s Day 2025

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Valentine’s Day 2025

February 14, 2025 by Frances Macaulay Forde

It’s now been 23 years since but Paudie never misses – always finds the most beautiful card and flowers for our special anniversary and I know just how lucky I am. I hope you are surrounded by love today, too.
‘Have I told you lately…’ is today’s poem to my gorgeous husband because that’s when he finally made his move after re-connecting (28 years later) on the Great North Road website in 2002. 💝

Have I told you lately…

Our morning ritual to say
thank you for my cup of tea
lovingly prepared, just strong
enough, just milky enough 
no sugar.  So much attention
carefully carried, negotiating
boxes – piled high memories,
mementos I can’t let go of...

When I hug, sinking into 
your arms, welding my body 
to your frame, wrapping 
my arms around you, your
shoulders, sliding my hands up 
and down your back as you 
wait for my morning yawn... 
I know you feel my love.

Just like you did that 1st day 
at the airport, I had been hiding 
behind a large plant, too shy 
to let you see me before I was 
ready, aching to know if you 
were the same man I knew 
28 years before. Could I trust 
again? Hazel pushing me… 

As I approach, too shy to meet 
your eyes, hear your voice.. I 
feel your arms holding, wrap 
mine around your chest. After
9 months of web-chat, photos,
reminders of Africa, who we 
used to be and sinking, sinking 
so deeply, completely into love.  

We settled in 20 years ago,
your yellow ‘leather’ 2-seater
we brought over from Ireland.
Our snuggle spot, every night 
watching Irish TV together
our courtship away from my 
world, effortlessly it seemed
melting, merging into yours.

All these years later, sitting 
on Jess’ blue couch between 
broken beams, cushions cradling 
our bums best they can, my 
fingers find yours, quietly hold,
my thumb moving gently
up and down, secretly telling
how much I still need you.

Trying to get up after sitting
knees and thighs not ready
your hand pushes me gently
from behind, giving a lift
just enough to get me going
able to stand on my own two
feet again, giggling.  These 
moments show you need me too. 

Letting me walk ahead when
I wanted to be next to you, holding 
your hand… now I understand 
because you told me you prefer 
a full view, watching my stride
my purpose, my approach to life.
Getting the full picture, in spite 
of a view limited by your stroke.

How we survived it all, bought 
a new lime green 4-seater to fit 
the whole family on. That photo -
your heart, wide open with plenty 
of room to embrace us all, the 
perfect fit. My so gentle man who 
chased, caught and I know won’t 
ever let go... My forever lover.

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2025