The Kiss

We are all familiar with a photographic or artistic capture of a kiss. Each image evokes a story, a longing in each woman to be embraced in a romantic smooch - for each man to possess the smoothness to deliver such a kiss. Below are a few famous images of such an act:

The Kiss in Times Square at the end of WWII

The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville

"The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt

My Dad came to visit in November. With him, he brought a big box of pictures. One evening, me, Dad, and my sister, Tammy, sat down to go through all the pictures. When we came upon this gem, my Dad shared his story:

It was their first anniversary. My Dad was in the service, my Mom expecting their first child. They lived in a tiny apartment in Monterrey, California. On his way home that afternoon, Dad was feeling pretty low. He had no money for an anniversary gift. Right about that time, he stumbled upon a lovely little home with Gladioli growing in the yard. A woman, presumably the homeowner, was busy cultivating her little garden. With a nature that is entirely his own and the arrogance of a young man he said, "Ma'am, it's my first anniversary and I don't have any money for a gift for my wife. She's expecting a baby and ... ma'am, Gladiolas are her favorite flower. Do you mind if I pick a few to take home to her?" She replied, "Let me make a bouquet for you." The bouquet you see behind them is what she made. What a wonderful, wise woman! What a gentle heart she must have had!

As a grown woman, this story is so precious! Even though I haven't been able to talk to my mom since I was a toddler, I can appreciate how special this gift made her feel. Finding this picture as well as hearing the story behind it is a gift. How wonderful life can be! How special our moments and priceless our memories!