Like A Fine Wine

è stato un colpo di fulmine.




Some of you know I had a heart attack two months ago. Ninety percent block on the "widow maker". Another hour, and I would have been dead. Made me really look at my life. Re asses everything about myself. One of the things that I realized was that one should never put off telling the people that you love how much they mean to you...or why. So...




It was over twenty years ago. I was raising my two daughters alone. I was a psycho, one-legged ex-cop. Not a very nice person. I was a bodyguard/driver. I'd been to the Playboy Mansion. Numerous times. Movie premiers. Laker games. Private parties. Not for myself, mind you. In the course of business. I'd seen what the world considered beautiful. Up close and in person. Actresses and models. Hell, I'd even dated a few. Wasn't impressed.




I was never going to get married again. Never.




One day I met a young woman. Her back was to me. When she turned around...




The Sicilians say: "è stato un colpo di fulmine." It means struck by the thunderbolt. I can still remember that moment...the first time I ever saw my wife. I thought, at that very moment, that she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I knew, right then, that I did want to get married again...but only if it could be to her.




Like I said, that was over twenty years ago. She is far more beautiful today than she was then. Every time I look at her, I am reminded of just how lucky I am to have her.




Today is her birthday. I don't have much in the way of money. Not a rich man, at least in the way that the world looks at riches. But...because of her love, I am the wealthiest man alive. Rich in things that are so above and beyond money.




I do not see the sunrise in the morning...until I see it in your smile.

The stars do not rise in the evening sky, until you release them from your eyes.

Your breath is the cool breeze on my fevered brow...bringing me peace.

Your gentle touch is the warmth of the sun...easing the pain from my soul.

Before there was time...I loved you.

When time is no more...I will love you still.




Happy Birthday, my love.