All she wanted was to hear three little words. Three little words that mattered the most to her. Three little words to let her know it was not for naught. Three little words that had power over so much. With each passing day she held on to hope. And with each passing day she was left broken.
She looked into her sons' eyes to see him staring back. She could see him in her sons' smiling dimples so like his own. She saw him in their mannerism much like his. She knew there was no escaping this. Still, she had held her head high through thick and thin. Not a single tear did she cry, for she had her pride. She followed him to the ends of the abyss. She loved him through all their small trysts.
She had given up her dreams, her aspirations. She had given up her life, her freedom. She put her trust in him, for that is how deeply did she love. Through the eyes of youth they were inseparable. Their apparent love unimaginable. They were the envy of the most devoted lovers. There was nothing they could not over come, for they had each other.
Not a single bad thing did she had to say against him. In fact she had always praised him. He worked hard long days in hopes their sons would have it better than they. He was always happy to help those in need, but none needed him more than she.
Everyday she waited for his touch, his kiss, a simple caress of the skin. Everyday she spent alone, left with her life's joy. Her sons filled her days with delight. Their faces always alight with smiles and twinkling little eyes. Their young innocent minds a gift to treasure. Their imaginations left her in wonder.
There was nothing that could describe a mother's love, of that she would not dispute. It was ever flowing with no bounds. Limitless in its needs. It was complex, yet simple. There was nothing that could make you feel quite the same way. She was proud to be given the title mother, though wife she wished to cherish all the more.
It was said behind every strong man stood a strong woman. Than there was no stronger woman than her. For three little words she wished to hear, the three little words that she had whispered in his ears. The three little words she held so dear. For she would love him till death comes near.
Everyday she plastered on a smile watching him walk away, if only for a short while. Everyday her heart was left beating. Everyday her soul was left weeping. Though she held her feelings at bay with each and every passing day. She still loved him the same way.
Then during a cold winter night he came to bed. He pulled her close, holding her in his arm. He breathed in her scent as he laid near. He let his hand caress her face as he brushed back her hair. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek. He brought his lips to her ear whispering.
"I love you. I know I don't always say it. But I love you more with each and every passing day. You are the mother to my children, my wife, my life. You give me strength each passing day to wake up, put on my work uniform, and leave the front door.
You inspire me to work hard. To pay the bills in hopes that some day I can give my family what they deserve. You are the strength that keeps me going, and I will love you to the day I die. Though I may take you for granted, just know when I look into your eyes that I love you more than words could describe." he said, his soft masculine voice wavering as he spoke.
She felt the tears fall from her eyes as she finally heard those three little words. All those feelings that had been locked away came crashing out. Snuggled within his arms she whispered back, "I love you."
They fell asleep in each other's embrace. A small smile upon her face. For it was not all a waste.
