Gosh

It was one of those things that I've always hoped for but has never happened, that is, until today.

It was short, sweet. I saw you coming about the same time you saw me, a few hundred yards out, on the other side of the intersection. Would you cross? Turn around? Make yourself scarce? The closer we got the more apprehensive I became. Would you wave? Disappear? Just smile and walk away?

Let me tell you I was surprised, somewhat shocked, when we actually stopped and talked. I felt almost at a loss as to what to say considering the boxcar loads of words and emotions and stories I've been storing up and setting aside to share with you . Let me say that stopping and chatting on the same patch of asphalt, hearing your voice, seeing your face, looking into your eyes and touching your hand, gloved or not, was more than enough for me. It truly made my year, short year that it's been. I have been glowing ever since.

We haven't talked, really talked, in over a year a half. And while I still have much to say, just know that those things I said to you on that second pass, when I caught you on the street on my way out of the Woods, will always stand:

That I have no regrets.

That you will always be my friend.

Know that no matter where we go that you can call on me and I'll come running.

That there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of you.

And Jane, while I didn't say this, know that I will always love you. And, if I had a choice, I would never leave the region, for to go away means losing contact with you entirely, and that, for me, seems like a sad bit of business, indeed.

Seeing you today was a finest gift that I have received in a long, long time. Thank you, god of afternoon walkers, for making it happen.

Yeah, love, your WHMB