Darling Sylvia, No earbuds were in my ears.  I was a half a mile into my daily walk and realized that I had left my ipod behind.  I admit that I resent exercise.  I was livid when my skinny, anorexic cardiologist Doctor Battey poked my bulging Robertson belly and told me to lose it or get diabetes.

Without earbuds, I was aware there were sounds around me.  I heard elm leaves skittering across the dry concrete driveway in front of me.  Each serrated tip along the margin of the leaves created a low keyed pleasant sound. I heard leaves, felt the moist chill of the morning air on my bare arms, and smelled late fall and the earth around the recently planted pansies.   I need to leave my ipod behind more often.

I actually was aware enough to acknowledge the courtesy shown me by the hooded landscape worker blowing the leaves off the Cardiac Clinic’s parking lot. I was glad to be alive and without earbuds to filter out the present.

I thought about what a gift in my life you are. I delight, after all this time, to be in the moment with you. I do not tire of checking out your profile.  You have a way of smiling at me when we meet that brings sunshine into my life.  I love to look straight into your eyes and hear your concerns, hopes and dreams.  Your voice can be so soft that I feel the need to lean forward and touch your hands when you speak.

Too often, I forget to lose the earbuds.  I am on automatic and fail to savor the moment with you.  Time is fleeting; the present is becoming more and more precious.  I love my life with you.  Without earbuds, I can be more in your presence, in the moment with you.

Love You – Eddie Bert