The year was now 1972, it had been a long 6 years, it was nearly 20 years of the Vietnam war, but there was finally an end in sight. the American soldiers were coming home, but it was an unpopular war, many people blamed the returning soldiers with hostility, and not gratitude. this hurt many men, being away for so long because your government drafted you and called you to serve, but being hated for it was a harsh reality. but none of this could bring James Jones spirits down, sure he was tired, and thin, and worn down to barely anything, but for 6 years he had written his Lena, she was back at home, and if she still cared, even a little bit, he would be thrilled beyond anything, her eyes glowed in his mind, and her gleaming hair swayed, her laugh washed over him again and again like the ocean. the C-141 Starlifter had been uncomfortable, the automobile ride unbearably long, the mile walk to her home was quiet lovely, he picked a big bouquet of flowers, trying to figure out what to ask Mr. Williams. before he knew it he was at her door, he knocked and then paced nervously, what if she had moved on, what if she didn't care.


the door opened, Mrs. Williams stood there, "hello, may I help you?"

James removed his cap and stood up straight, "yes ma'am, I was hoping to speak with Mr. Williams on courting your daughter, Miss Lena... if she's not spoken for that is."

he twisted his cap awaiting her answer. "what's your name?"

"James...James Jones." he answered

she nodded, "he'll be right out then, hold on a moment."

James's heart pounded in his chest as her father appeared and looked him up and down. "Your Back."

it was more of a statement, but James nodded anyway, "yessir"

Mr. Williams nodded, "why should you be allowed near my daughter?"

James shifted, "Mr. William, I know I will never deserve Lena, she's all sort of perfect that I'll never attain, but I'll spend what is left of my life trying in every possible way to give her the life she will deserve, and love her until it is my time to go... if she'll have me that is"


Mr. Williams looked at him and nodded slowly; he leaned back into the house "Lena! You got a caller!"

James heard her soft feet pattering down the stairs, and then she stood there, looking more lovely than the day, he met her, she grown, but he had too, and that was fine, there was something more mature and steadier about it, and he liked it.

he handed her the flowers "miss Williams, would you do me the great honor of taking you out for lunch?"

she took the flowers smiling, "it'd be my pleasure, thank you."


it wasn't anything fancy, just a small cafe on the edge of town.

he smiled, "I trust you've been well Miss Williams?"

her eyes lit up like stars, and she smiled so brightly it made his heart stop

"Yes! I have been ever so great Mr. jones, I'm glad you have returned home well and safe, how was the trip back?"

James gave a little shrug, "ah, those C-141s never were built for comfort, but it's all good now, nothing like good ole American soil."

she smiled softly her eyes sparkling "I received your letters, and prayed for you often"

James smiled, "say, would you mind if I might call you by your Christan name?"

Lena nodded, "you may sir, as long as I may call you by yours"

James slapped his hand lightly on the table, "why little lady, it's a done deal!"


the next months fell into place, late night walks and planning the future.

one evening James was called home, his mother was not right, the Docters said she had dementia, the family was heartbroken, and James is worried about how it could happen to him; he told Lena that she should find someone who was less likely to lose their mind. they argue, she said she doesn't care, he tells her she should, he would never forgive himself if he forgot her. and he doesn't want her to sit and watch him go insane.

she shakes her head "but I will go insane if you leave me James! I can't live without you, I can't breath when I think about life without you"

James takes her hand softly, "I cant live without you either Lena, But if I ever forgot to love you, I could not live with myself"

Lena looks into his deep eyes "you don't know if that will happen, and I guarantee that our love won't fade with the times or the memories, please, I love You,"

he hugged her, "your right, I'm sorry Lena, I Love you so much"


they married a few months later, they built a home, a life, a family. many hardships and trials, many joys and laughter, and when the children moved away, leaving them alone, they laughed and loved and grew even more.


but, however, old age began to rob James of his fondest memories, it scared him to death when he realized it happening, but soon, he didn't even know. but the love, it never died, it never would.


he light up every time she walked into a room, watching her in awe, told her she had stolen his heart, and needed it back, she laughed, and they would go on dates over and over again, he'd hear their song and sing it to her word for word.


and then today, it was their 47-wedding anniversary, he didn't know. all he knew was she was dressed up beautifully, and he got her flowers, and asked if he may have the stupendous honor to take her out for lunch.