有人喜欢香薰，我却受不了。
　　朋友在家中一角永恒地燃点香精，从白昼到黑夜，屋子里弥漫着她喜欢的香味，每次嗅到，我只 觉得头痛。
　　焚香本来是一件优雅的事，但那浓烈而虚假的香味，却无法使人静心。嗅香味也会嗅上瘾，日子久了，就会依 赖某种香味，如同习惯涂香水的人，不能一天不涂香水。
　　我不涂香水，朋友送给我的香水，放在浴室里放得太久，终于也蒸发掉。不想浪费，每次外出前都提醒自己要 涂一点香水，可是通常都因为太匆忙而忘记了，身上唯一留着的，是肥皂的香味。
　　如果喜欢香味，宁愿在家中一角常放一束姜花，它的香味比香薰清新得多。其实，不必燃点香精，不必涂香水 ，只要你仔细去嗅一下，你会发现每个人的皮肤都散发着一种独一无二的香味。
　　婴儿吃奶，所以身体常常散发着一股乳香味；印度人爱吃咖喱，他们身体常常散发着咖喱的味道。我们长年累 月偏爱某种食物，我们多年来使用某种香味的肥皂，这些物质的气味也渐渐变成我们自己的气味，从每个毛孔散发 出来。
　　只要嗅到那种味道，你就知道是他了，当他不在你身边，你还可以回忆他的味道，想念他的味道，他回来了， 你在他怀中又嗅到那股熟悉的气味。
　　当你不爱一个人的时候，你也会逐渐把他的气味淡忘。长夜漫漫，那曾经和你很亲昵的味道，也会随风而逝。 我怀念人的味道。

　　对于死缠烂打，无论如何也不肯死心的追求者，你唯有老实的告诉他：
　　“再过一万年之后，我还是不会爱上你。”
　　好了吧？死心了吧？是你逼我说出这么残忍的说话的。
　　假使对方还是说：“不，你再考虑一下吧！”那么，你只好说：“对，我收回刚才的说话。我想说，再过一百 万年之后，我还是不会爱上你。”

　　我不可以阻止你爱我，但是我告诉你，你的爱只会石沉大海。
　　有些事情是不可以勉强的。你爱一个人，他不爱你，不代表你不可爱，不代表你不好，只能代表他不爱你而已 。恋爱是双程路，单恋也该有一条底线，到了底线，就是退出的时候。这条路行不通，你该想想另一条路，而不是 在路口徘徊。这里不留人，自有留人处。你怎么知道自己不会遇上更好的？

　　不酌一万年，也许一年之后，你已经找到一个更好的了。有些人是你一辈子也不会爱上的，也有些人是一辈子 也不会爱上你的。有人不爱你，这是很正常的，难道所有人都爱你吗？他不爱你，再过一万年之后也不爱你，你为 什么还要为他痴迷，为他流泪？醒醒吧。

一个女孩走进心理咨询室，微笑中又有几分忧虑：“马老师，我想请教您一个问题：怎样让同学们喜 欢我？”
　　
　　我笑了：“你能把这个问题讲得具体一点吗？比如，你碰到了什么具体的难题，有什么具体的故 事。”
　　
　　“是这样，我是个挺在乎同学关系的人，但是，我感到同学们并不是很喜欢我。可是，我们班上的另一个女孩 却非常有人缘，她不当班干部，同学们都喜欢她，她当班干部，同学们也喜欢她。您说，这是怎么回 事？”
　　
　　“我们先不去管那些大道理是怎么讲的，你能仔细想想那个同学们喜欢的女孩有哪些表现吗？”我试图引导她 自己来领悟。
　　
　　女孩沉思片刻说道：“她喜欢帮助人。同学们谁有困难都愿意找她，只要是她能做的，她总是尽力帮助。她也 常常主动帮助同学。”
　　
　　“这的确是首要的一条。”我说，“在人际交往中，人们都喜欢对自己有过帮助的人。喜欢是一种感情。感情 没有无缘无故的。经常帮助别人，别人就会感到你对别人的价值。因此，帮助别人就是给别人一个喜欢你的理由。 ”
　　
　　女孩一边点头一边说：“是这样。对了，她平时脸上总是带着微笑。”

“你发现的很对，微笑也是一种很好的交际方式。”我肯定说，“心理学发现，人们最容易给微笑以回报，这几乎 是一种本能。有心理学家说，人际交往中的表情是挂在路口的一块路牌，面带微笑等于在告诉人：此路畅通，面目 呆板等于在告诉人：此路不通。所以说，微笑是人际交往最好的通行证。”
　　
　　“她也不喜欢炫耀自己。”女孩子又有一点新的领悟。
　　
　　“好哇！你领悟得很好。”我说，“心理学家告诉我们，人都不喜欢嘴上老是挂着‘我’的人。在同学面前夸 夸其谈卖弄自己，常常是给自己的人际交往设置障碍。因为，当你感觉最得意的时候，常常就是别人最讨厌你的时 候。”
　　
　　“那么，还是少说多听的好了？”
　　
　　“你真是个很有悟性的女孩。”我由衷地赞叹，“学会做一个好听众的确是让人喜欢的一条秘诀。因为你做一 个好听众能满足别人许多方面的心理需求。从这个角度说，一个好耳朵比一张好嘴巴更重要。”
　　
　　“此外，她可能学业很好很努力，也可能言行举止很自律……”
　　
　　“您说得对，她的确还有这些优点。”
　　
　　“这都是很要紧的。”我接着说，“还有一条一定要牢记：要别人喜欢你，你首先需要学会喜欢别人。那个女 孩让大家喜欢，绝不会是每天很苦很累很委屈地逢迎别人。她一定有一颗喜欢别人的心，她一定是总能看到别人身 上的可爱之处可取之处可喜欢之处。”

男人比女人较能拥抱一个已经不爱的人。
　　当女人不爱一个男人，她不会愿意拥抱他，除非他流泪哀哭，她才会于心不忍抱一抱他，否则，她只会替他翻 一翻衣领，扫一扫肩膊上的尘埃，或者拍一拍他的手背，她不会拥抱他。拥抱一个人，毕竟需要付出 感情。
　　但是男人却可以。他已经不爱她了，可是看到她楚楚可怜的样子，他还是会用力拥抱她，就像从 前一样。
　　一个女孩子说，已经分手一年了，但那次见面，他拥抱她，他是不是还爱她？如果他还爱她，那为什么在放手 之后，他却说：
　　“不要再浪费时间在我身上。”
　　男人拥抱一个他已经不爱的女人，不过出于一种悲天悯人的情怀。她需要他抱，她忘不了他，他于是义不容辞 地抱她。他不爱她了，但是抱抱她是没有问题的。他有这种绅士风度，他也有义务为旧女朋友提供一个怀抱。如果 连一个拥抱都吝于付出，他未免太无情无义了。
　　男人的肩膀和怀抱，随时可以慷慨就义；女人的肩膀和怀抱却是爱情，只能留给她所爱的人。她会为爱情而收 回她的怀抱和肩膀，男人却会为情义付出肩膀和怀抱，他能抱一个他不爱的女人。

-------------------------------现在就想见你--------------------------------


被你爱着，就应该享有特权。
　　其中一项特权就是想见你时随时可以见到你。
　　深夜里，忽然想见你，打电话给你，说：“我现在就想见你。”
　　那么，请你不要问我有什么急事，是不是不舒服，你只要马上来见我就可以了。
　　你匆匆赶来，发觉我没什么急事，我只是想见你，请你不要说我任性，你应该欣赏我的率直。曾经有一刻，我 是那么渴望见你，以致我甘心冒着被你拒绝的危险，大胆提出要求，你不是应该感动吗？
　　我一个人走在喧嚣的街上，情绪低落，心里疯狂的想念你，我打电话给你说：
　　“我想见你！”
　　请你不要问“什么时候”，笨蛋，当然是现在，如果不是现在想见你，打电话给你干什么？这个时候，希望你 能说：
　　“你在哪里？不要走开，我马上来。”
　　如果你不能马上来，你以后也不用来了。
　　当我说想见你，请不要问“为什么”，如果你愿意来，不用问为什么，你不愿意来，又为什么要 问？

哪一句说话令你流最多的眼泪？
　　不是“我不爱你了。”
　　不是“我从来没有爱过你。”
　　不是“我爱上了别人。”
　　不是“我想分手。”
　　那一句说话，不是令你震惊、令你伤心的说话，那一句往往是以下这一句：
　　“不要这样。”
　　你伤心、震惊，泪水差不多要夺眶而出，你正吃力地咬着牙控制着自己。不让自己哭出来，这个时候，有人安 慰你说：
　　“不要这样。”
　　你的眼泪立刻就像决堤一样，再也控制不住。
　　当他说：“我不爱你了。”你只是在那里饮泣。然而，当他尝试安慰你，尝试叫你不要哭，当他说。“不要这 样。”你却立刻嚎陶大哭。
　　我们哭的时候，最怕就是身边的男人手足无措地说：“不要哭”、“不要这样”，这些说话就像有人按下我们 身上一个控制泪水的按钮，一按下去，眼泪就夺眶而出，直到痛哭失声。
　　所以，亲爱的人。下一次我哭的时候，你千万别说“不要这样”。

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

　　男人害怕承诺，是因为他不是太爱那个女人，也是因为他太爱那个女人。
　　他不是很爱她，所以他吝啬承诺。她说：“答应我，你永远不会爱上别人。”
　　他不答应，因为他还没爱她爱到那个地步。为她而放弃其他机会，他还舍不得。他爱她没有深到把她当作生命 里最重要的人。男人的承诺是珍贵的，他不会轻易付出。
　　对着一个他不太爱的女人，他不愿意承诺，对着他深爱的女人，他却无法承诺。
　　他太爱她了，他很想承诺，却又害怕被束缚。一旦被束缚，也许他不会再像以前那么爱她。
　　他太爱她了，他很想承诺，却害怕做不到的时候会让她伤心。
　　他太爱她了，他很想承诺，但是一旦承诺了，就代表他要放弃其他幻想，也代表他要改变自己的生活。他不禁 怀疑，她是爱他这个人还是爱他的承诺。如果他不肯承诺，也许她就不爱他。
　　如果他深爱一个女人，有没有承诺根本是没有分别的。即使没有承诺，他过的日子也像跟她有承诺一般。男人 骗女人容易，骗自己难。他是一个有责任感的人。才会害怕承诺，他知道人要为自己的承诺负责。有些男人随便承 诺，因为他们没想过要负责。
　　承诺本来就是男人与女人的一场角力，有时皆大欢喜，大部分情况却是两败俱伤。

Dear Patrick,

I was then an only child who had everything I could ever want. But even a pretty, spoiled and rich kid could get lonely once in a while so when Mom told me that she was pregnant, I was ecstatic. I imagined how wonderful you would be and how we'd always be together and how much you would look like me. So, when you were born, I looked at your tiny hands and feet and marveled at how beautiful you were.

We took you home and I showed you proudly to my friends. They would touch you and sometimes pinch you, but you never reacted. When you were five months old, some things began to bother Mom. You seemed so unmoving and numb, and your cry sounded odd --- almost like a kitten's. So we brought you to many doctors.

The thirteenth doctor who looked at you quietly said you have the "cry du chat" (pronounced Kree-do-sha) syndrome, "cry of the cat" in French.

When I asked what that meant, he looked at me with pity and softly said, "Your brother will never walk nor talk." The doctor told us that it is a condition that afflicts one in 50,000 babies, rendering victims severely retarded. Mom was shocked and I was furious. I thought it was unfair.

When we went home, Mom took you in her arms and cried. I looked at you and realized that word will get around that you're not normal. So to hold on to my popularity, I did the unthinkable ... I disowned you. Mom and Dad didn't know but I steeled myself not to love you as you grew. Mom and Dad showered you love and attention and that made me bitter. And as the years passed, that bitterness turned to anger, and then hate.

Mom never gave up on you. She knew she had to do it for your sake.

Everytime she put your toys down, you'd roll instead of crawl. I watched her heart break every time she took away your toys and strapped your tummy with foam so you couldn't roll. You struggle and you're cry in that pitiful way, the cry of the kitten. But she still didn't give up.

And then one day, you defied what all your doctors said -- you crawled.

When mom saw this, she knew you would eventually walk. So when you were still crawling at age four, she'd put you on the grass with only your diapers on knowing that you hate the feel of the grass on your skin.

Then she'd leave you there. I would sometimes watch from the windows and smile at your discomfort. You would crawl to the sidewalk and Mom would put you back. Again and again, Mom repeated this on the lawn. Until one day, Mom saw you pull yourself up and toddle off the grass as fast as your little legs could carry you.

Laughing and crying, she shouted for Dad and I to come. Dad hugged you crying openly.

I watched from my bedroom window this heartbreaking scene.

Over the years, Mom taught you to speak, read and write. From then on, I would sometime see you walk outside, smell the flowers, marvel at the birds, or just smile at no one. I began to see the beauty of the world through your eyes. It was then that I realized that you were my brother and no matter how much I tried to hate you, I couldn't, because I had grown to love you.

During the next few days, we again became acquainted with each other. I would buy you toys and give you all the love that a sister could ever give to her brother. And you would reward me by smiling and hugging me.

But I guess, you were never really meant for us. On your tenth birthday, you felt severe headaches. The doctor's diagnosis --leukemia. Mom gasped and Dad held her, while I fought hard to keep my tears from falling. At that moment, I loved you all the more. I couldn't even bear to leave your side. Then the doctors told us that your only hope is to have a bonemarrow transplant. You became the subject of a nationwide donor search. When at last we found the right match, you were too sick, and the doctor reluctantly ruled out the operations. Since then, you underwent chemotherapy and radiation.

Even at the end, you continued to pursue life. Just a month before you died, you made me draw up a list of things you wanted to do when you got out of the hospital. Two days after the list was completed, you asked the doctors to send you home. There, we ate ice cream and cake, run across the grass, flew kites, went fishing, took pictures of one another and let the balloons fly. I remember the last conversation that we had. You said that if you die, and if I need of help, I could send you a note to heaven by tying it on the string of any balloon and letting it fly. When you said this, I started crying. Then you hugged me. Then again, for the last time, you got sick.

That last night, you asked for water, a back rub, a cuddle. Finally, you went into seizure with tears streaming down your face. Later, at the hospital, you struggled to talk but the words wouldn't come. I know what you wanted to say. "Hear you," I whispered. And for the last time, I said, "I'll always love and I will never forget you. Don't be afraid. You'll soon be with God in heaven." Then, with my tears flowing freely, I watched the bravest boy I had ever known finally stop breathing. Dad, Mom and I cried until I felt as if there were no more tears left. Patrick was finally gone, leaving us behind.

From then on, you were my source of inspiration. You showed me how to love life and live to the fullest. With your simplicity and honesty, you showed me a world full of love and caring. And you made me realize that the most important thing in this life is to continue loving without asking why or how and without setting any limit.

Thank you, my little brother, for all these.

My story starts here...... we met on this internet space. I was only browsing when I came upon him. For some reason he stuck out. So as I began to learn more about him I realized how much we had in common. So I gathered enough courage to talk to him. After chatting online and on the phone for many, many, many hours. We decided to meet. I can't tell you the instant attraction I felt for him.


The first kiss was the most passionate kiss I had felt in so long. I wanted so desperately to give into it and to him. It took everything I had to walk out that night. But after many more visits and long conversations, I felt myself falling in love with him. Every touch, every kiss made me fall deeper and deeper. He would hold me every night until the sun came up and I felt the time we spent together was never enough.

He would ask me if I loved him. I would always laugh it off, feeling insecure that if I told him I did he would be gone. So I never said it, those words that could make or break my heart. What if I told him and he said nothing, what if I told him and he said he loved me too. What if I told him, gave him my whole heart and then realized I made a mistake. It was too soon.


Finally one night I found this hidden confidence to tell him. As i lay in his arms, with my head on his chest, I whispered how I loved him. Then I pulled my body closer to his and closed my eyes. I prayed deeply that he did not hear. I don't believe he did. But I now wonder will I ever have the confidence again to say those words. I guess for now my heart will be torn. But I will continue to feel safe and protected in those arms and loved and caressed with his kiss. If the chance ever comes again. I only pray that I have the courage to face the reaction and that my happily ever after is the result.

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become.

You never know who these people may be, your neighbor, your coworker, a long lost friend, or a complete stranger. When you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

Sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck.

Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved,straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.

The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen.

Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

Most importantly if you Love someone tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store.

Learn a lesson in life each day that you live. That's the story of Life.

A good touching story to remind us about our family


After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you." The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well?" she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. "I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded. "Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said,
"I would like that very much." That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous.

When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting." We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy.

My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print.
Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting
there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said.
"Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed. "How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that
I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.

Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said:

"I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there;
but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for y ou and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me.
I love you, son." At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time:
"I LOVE YOU " and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve.
Nothing in life is more important than your family.
Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

男 人说，他一生最难忘的眼神是数年前他和女朋友一起在三藩市读书，毕业了，她首先离开。他送她到机场，她进 入禁区前叫他不要再望着她，他没听她话，一直透过通道的玻璃目送她离开，走到尽头，她忽然回头望他，眼睛里 载满了泪水。那回望的眼神，教他心痛极了，那一刻，他不禁问自己：
　　“人为什么要离别？”
　　我问他：
　　“你现在找到答案没有？”
　　“大概这就是人生吧！”他说。
　　离别和重逢本来就是人生不停上演的戏码。
　　人为什么要离别？
　　离别是为了生活，生活的开支足够有余，才不用再分离。
　　离别是为了重聚，没有离别的苦，哪有重聚的欢乐？
　　离别是为了思念，有时候，故意离开你几天，是想看看我会否思念你，你又会否思念我。
　　离别是为了不让自己做错事，再不跟你说再见，我就控制不了自己。
　　离别是为了不想你憎恨我。我们再不分开，再纠缠下去，将来你一定会恨我。
　　离别是为了在你心中留下最后和最好的印象，我现在走了，你不会看到我年华老去的样子。
　　人生，总是无法不说再见。

某年某天某地

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　　女孩说，她和她喜欢的人现在不能一起，她希望某年某天。他们可以在某地重新开始。
　　真的可以吗？
　　我们说某年某天某地的时候，总是怀抱着一个希望，同时也有点绝望，如果现在可以，何须等到 某年某天？
　　某年某天是什么时候，谁又知道？有时候，时间对了，地点却不对；地点对了，时间却不对；时间和地点都对 了，心情却不对。
　　现在不自由，她只能寄望某年某天在某地跟他再开始。也许，当他自由了。她却不自由；当她自由了，又轮到 他不自由。当他和她都自由了，他们却在两个不同的地方，没有遇上。地点对了，他和她都自由，可是，那时他们 都变了。
　　他们不是说过“某年某天某地”的吗？原来那是绝望时候的一星火光。我爱你，我深深相信我们的缘分未尽， 某年某天某地，我们会再遇，你要好好的生活……我们含泪道别，努力活下去，迎接重逢的一刻。
　　可惜，所有的重逢，都是想像比现实美丽的。
　　期待重逢的两个人，已经各自爱上另一个人。直到某年某天，他们在某地相遇，才想起某年某天，他们曾经有 一个约定。

The more hurt and pain you have gone thru in life, the stronger and more
beautiful your heart will be.....

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley.

A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, "Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine." The crowd and the young man looked at the old man's heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn't fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces missing.

The people stared. How can he say his heart is more beautiful?? they thought. The young man looked at the old man's heart and saw its state and laughed. "You must be joking," he said. "Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears."

"Yes," said the old man, "Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren't exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn't returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges - giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?"

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands.

The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man's heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.

The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man's heart flowed into his.

They embraced and walked away side by side.

-----------------------------------爱--------------------------------------

A girl quickly punches a number into her phone and waits until she hears the other line pick up.

“Becky, I don’t know what to do, I really don’t. I love him so much and I don’t think he thinks of me that way. I mean, whenever I see him or think of him, I can’t help it, this smile comes across my face. Sometimes he sees me smiling and smiles back. That’s when my knees turn to jello and I get butterflies in my stomach. I know you think that he’s is so totally adorable and cute, but if you look past that and actually listen to what he has to say, you find a totally different person. He’s so caring and considerate and he makes me feel like I don’t deserve him. Well, actually, I don’t deserve him. He’s too perfect, I mean, look at all the girls that fall over for him. I could never be one of those. Their all so pretty and bubbly and….. not me. I couldn’t even start to compare myself to them. But whenever I think of him or see him, I can’t help it, I smile. Now I didn’t tell you this but he called me the other day about homework. I tell you now, I made a complete fool of myself. I’m so embarrassed. I stuttered the whole time, but he was so sweet and just kept talking and making me feel better. He’s so perfect Becky, I don’t deserve him, so why do I keep wishing and praying that he will notice me, why?............Becky? Becky are you there?”

“This isn’t Becky.”

Petrified the girl asks, “Then who is this?”

“ This is the guy who’s smile turns your knees to jello and I just wanted to say one thing. Everything you just said now, I’ve been wanting to say since the day I met you.

They have been married for two years. He loves literature and often posts his work on the net, but nobody ever reads them. He is also into photography and he handles their wedding photos. He loves her very much. Likewise with her. She has a quick temper and always bullies him. He is a gentleman and always gives in to her.

Today, she's being willful again.

Her: "Why can't you be the photographer for my friend's wedding? She promised she'd pay."
Him: "I don't have time that day."
Her: "Humph!"
Him: "Huh?"
Her: "Don't have time? Write less of those novels, and you will have all the time you need."
Him: "I... someone will definitely recognize my work some day."
Her: "Humph! I don't care, you'll have to do it for her!"
Him: "No."
Her: "Just this once?"
Him: "No."

Negotiation's broken. So, she gave the final warning: "Give me a Yes within three days, or else..."

First day, she "withheld" the kitchen, bathroom, computer, refrigerator, television, hi-fi... Except the double bed, to show her "benevolence".

Of course, she has to sleep on it too. He didn't mind, as he still has some cash in his pockets.

Second day, she conducted a raid and removed everything from his pockets and warned, "Seek any external help, and you bear the consequences."

He's nervous now. That night, on the bed, he begs for mercy, hoping that she'll end this state. She doesn't give a damn. No way am I giving in, whatever he says. Until he agrees.

Third day, night. On the bed. He's lying on the bed, looking to one side. She's lying on the bed, looking to the other side.

Him: "We need to talk."
Her: "Unless it's about the wedding, forget it."
Him: "It's something very important."

She remains silent.

Him:"Let's get a divorce."
She did not believe her ears.
Him: "I got to know a girl."

She's totally angry, and wanted to hit him. But she held it down, wanting to let him finish. But her eyes already felt wet. He took a photo out from his chest. Probably from his undershirt pocket, that's the only place she didn't go through yesterday. How careless.

Him: "She's a nice girl."
Her tears fell.

Him: "She has a good personality too."
She's heartbroken because he puts a photo of some other girl close to his heart.
Him: "She says that she'll support me fully in my pursue for literature after we got married."

She's very jealous because she said the same thing in the past.
Him: "She loves me truly."
She wishes to sit up and scream at him "Don't I?"
Him: "So, I think she won't force me to do something that I don't want to do."

She's thinking, but the rage won't subside.
Him: "Want to take a look at the photo I took for her?"
Her: "...!"

He brings the photo before her eyes. She's in a total rage, hits his hand away and leaves a burning slap on his face.

He sighs. She cries.
He puts the photo back to his pocket. She pulls her hand back under the blanket.

He turns off the light, and sleeps. She turns on the light, and sits up. He's asleep. She lost sleep. She regrets treating him the way she treated him.


She cried again, and thought about a lot of things. She wants to wake him up. She wants to have a intimate talk with him. She doesn't want to push him anymore. She stares at his chest. She wants to see how the girl looks.

She slips the photo out. She wanted to cry and she wanted to laugh.

It's a nicely taken photo. A photo he took for her. She bends down, and kissed him on his cheek.

He smiled. He was just pretending to be asleep.

"You learn to love, not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

　当你爱上对方时，应该会有这九种情感，才能算是一个真实的爱情，最起码，你应该扪心自问，将来是否有可能 培养出这样的情感来，才能确保你拥有一个真的爱情。

　　【一】生理上的性冲动：

　　当我们对一位异性产生兴趣或爱上某个异性时，希彼此有身体上的接触。在真实的爱情生活里，这种欲望是永 远存在的。性冲动并不单单只是行为，它还包含了许多其它亲密的身体上接触，譬如牵手、拥抱等等，这种情感会 永远都存在爱人的心里。
　
　　【二】美丽的感觉：　
　　
　　在有爱情的时候，我们会觉得对方最好看，即使有别的异性比你所爱的对象好看，但对你而言，他(她)才是 最好看的，而且是别人无法相比的。

　　【三】亲爱的感觉：　
　　
　　当你真正爱上一个人，你会有一种很亲切的感觉，他让你觉的很舒服，你可以信任他、依靠他。他像是一个亲 密的家人，甚至可以说，比一个家人更亲密，这是亲密加上一种温馨的感觉，就是亲爱的感觉。在这爱情国度里， 他不会挑剔你的瑕疵，因为他愿意包容你所有的缺点。

　　【四】羡慕及尊敬的感觉：　
　　
　　一个健康的爱情关系，应当有以对方为荣的感觉，我们会去欣赏对方内在和外在的条件和优点。而且对方也处 处以我们为荣。如果我们能有这种感觉，不论他是成功或失败，都会使我们欣赏他的才华。

　　【五】赞许的爱情：　
　　
　　当相爱的时候，我们喜欢夸奖对方，而且不仅是欣赏而已，还喜欢对他人夸奖对方，从夸奖对方的热诚之中， 我们可以因此感到无比的快乐。

　　【六】受到尊重的自尊：　
　　
　　一个健康的爱情关系，可以提高一个人的自尊心。让对感觉到活得更有价值，因为爱情使你觉得你有无人可比 的独特性，虽然你有优点也有缺点，但是你的独特性使你受到无比的尊重，生命因此而有了价值。

　　【七】占有欲：　
　　
　　爱情是绝对独占的，不能与人分享亲密的男女关系。所以需要以结婚来持续一份爱情，在结婚时彼此相约相许 。因此在真实爱情里，互相许诺忠诚是必要的。

　　【八】行动自由：　
　　
　　如果个人有正当的理由，他行动的自由一定要受到尊重，才不会破坏两人之间的爱情关系。

　　【九】深重的同情心：　
　　
　　我们对深爱的人常会有怜惜的感情，经常会为对方考虑，如果对方受到挫折，我们会非常愿意与他分担痛苦和 挫折，把对方的苦当作自己的苦难一样，或者更胜于自己的苦难，因为我们愿意为对方而牺牲自己的 利益。

时间使人忘记梦想

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

　　时间除了使人忘记爱情之外，还使人忘记梦想、原则和朋友。
　　一个事业成功、头脑精明的大商家大概忘记了他年少时候本来是梦想成为一位小提琴家的。他现在只会计算每 天能赚多少钱。
　　一个每天营营役役的男人也许已经忘记了他曾经梦想成为一名长跑运动员。他现在连上楼梯都喘气，他每个星 期的活动是看赛马。
　　一个两子之母年少时的梦想是成为舞蹈家，在谈恋爱和结婚之后，她就忘记了。生了孩子之后，她有更多藉口 不跳舞。如今，她已经舞不起来。
　　时间也使人忘记原则。
　　他的原则本来是尽量说真话，时光流逝，为了生活，他现在的原则是不再说真话。
　　他的原则本来是不依靠别人，不依附权贵，日子久了，他发觉一个人挣扎很辛苦，依附一下权贵也没什么不好 。
　　他的原则本来是绝不妥协，年纪大了，他的原则是尽量妥协。
　　时间也使人忘记朋友。
　　有些朋友，我们已经很久没联络了，我们曾经是很要好的
　　时间使人忘记梦想、原则和朋友，偏偏有些事情我们又记得很清楚，我们记得自己曾经有梦想、有原则和有朋 友。

Bob Richards, the former pole-vault champion, shares a moving story about a skinny young boy who loved football with all his heart. Practice after practice, he eagerly gave everything he had. But being half the size of the other boys, he got absolutely nowhere. At all the games, this hopeful athlete sat on the bench and hardly ever played. This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship.

Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior.

All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game but remained a bench-warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.

The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in a game.

It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.

Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted is worst player in this close playoff game.

But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked, and tackled like a star.

His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you never heard.

Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that this young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

When you love someone so deep inside,
It seems like it's so easy to hide.
You've loved him for so very long,
You would think he could do no wrong.

Every day you would hope and pray,
That he would always stay this way.
He treated you like you should be treated,
You thought your life was finally completed.

You thought your love was growing true,
And then one day it was all so blue.
He started putting you down and it hurt,
You thought all you were to him was dirt.

He started ignoring you and you wondered why,
All you wanted to do was curl up and die.
You thought your relationship would never end,
But that was all so fake and pretend.

One night he was so sweet to you,
You thought all those things were maybe untrue,
Two days later he was back the same,
You thought you were the one to blame.

He thought the relationship was getting too serious
And that you had become a little too curious.
By this time you knew it wouldn't last,
All the nice things he said were in the past.

You thought that you would marry him some day,
But this time God wanted to get his way.
You wanted things back how they were before,
But you knew this couldn't happen anymore.

It was a Saturday night about ten o'clock,
You heard the news and it wasn't a shock.
You knew this was going to happen soon,
As you laid there and cried in the pale lit moon.

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born.

The child asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomarrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God replied, "among the angels, I chose one for you. Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child then asked, "But tell me here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile and be happy."

God said, "Your angle will sing and smile for you every day. And you will feel your angels love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to understand the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear. And with much patience and care your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"I've heard on earth there are bad people. Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will protect you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be right next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked;

God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angels name..." "Her name is not important, you should just call her Mom."

I Still Have A Piece Of You With Me
Dedicated to My Beautiful Son




I was 18 and graduating from highschool. Sadly, my boyfriend was unable to be at my graduation, because he had a doctor's appointment. Later that week he told me he had some tests done, and that he had liver cancer. The doctors gave him no longer than a year to live. I prayed to god that he would heal my boyfriend, and we could get married and have a family.

The next few weeks I cried and thought of how my life would be without him, and then I would cry even harder. I finally realized I was wasting my time with him, so I spent everyday with him. We decided to get married, I was 18 and he just turned 19. Our parents didn't like the idea at first, but they came around quickly. We were married in my church in front of three hundred people. He looked so amazing in his tux, and I wore a beautiful white dress, to show that I was still pure.

We spent an amazing 3 weeks in Hawaii for our honeymoon. The beaches were beautiful and the people were very friendly. We stayed at a bed and breakfast owned by a married couple who knew the island well. They taught us many Hawaiian traditions, and many beautiful places. When we returned from our honeymoon my new husband was placed on bed rest. He became weak, and didn't want to make love to me and I accepted that. Two days before our 4 month anniversary we made love for the last time and he died three days later. The day of his funeral was the worst day of my life.

About a month after my husband's death I started college. I was always sick; I thought it was because I was in grief, but I later learned I was pregnant. Nine months, one week, and 4 days after my husband died I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. He was 7 lbs. 9 oz. I name him Gabriel James after his father. Gabe is almost three and he looks nothing like me, but he is a spiting image of his father. It is amazing when he looks at me with his big brown eyes and talks to me.

Sometimes at night I walk into Gabe's room and watch him sleep, he snores exactly how his daddy did. I pray to god to watch over him and protect him, and I tell my husband I will see him again someday, but until then I still have a piece of him with me. I would like to spend my son's birthday in Hawaii, so I can share with him what I shared with his father.

One day, Tim was wandering in the forest thinking about and missing his beloved Tammy.

Satan was looking down upon the earth looking for a soul to torment. He saw Tim wandering alone in the forest and he flew down to meet him.

Satan said: "Why Tim, I have been looking for you".

A startled Tim asked: "What do you want?"

Satan said: "What do I want? Tim, please, I have a wonderful offer for YOU".

Tim replied: "Thanks, but I am not interested".

Satan said: "Why Tim, you haven't even heard what I have to offer. I could make you very wealthy!!"

Tim replied: "You don't say".

Satan said: "Yes, I will make you quite wealthy! You will be rich beyond your dreams!"

Tim replied: "Excuse me if I sound suspicious, but there wouldn't happen to be a catch?"

Satan said: "Tim, I am offering you so much!! All you have to do is give up Tammy's love for you and I will make you rich beyond your dreams."

Tim smiled.

Satan saw the smile and said: "See Tim, I knew you would like my offer."

Tim's smile broadened and he replied: "You don't understand. Satan, I am NOT interested in your offer. With Tammy's love, I ALREADY AM rich beyond my dreams."

Pappy

Pappy was a pleasant-looking old fellow. He had the whitest hair which he kept neatly cut and combed. His eyes were blue, though faded with age, and they seemed to emit a warmth from within. His face was quite drawn, but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to soften and smile with him. He had a talent for whistling and did so happily each day as he dusted and swept his pawnshop; even so, he had a secret sadness, but everyone who knew him respected and adored him.

Most of Pappy's customers returned for their goods, and he did not do much business, but he did not mind. To him, the shop was not a livelihood as much as a welcome pastime. There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering with a menagerie of his own precious items. He referred to this back room as ‘Memory Hall.' In it were pocket watches, clocks, and electric trains. There were miniature steam engines and antique toys made of wood, tin, or cast iron, and there were various other obsolete trinkets as well. Spending time in ‘Memory Hall' delighted him as he recalled many treasured moments from his past. He handled each item with care, and sometimes he would close his eyes and pause to relive a sweet, simple childhood memory.

One day, Pappy was working to his heart's content reassembling an old railroad lantern. As he worked, he whistled the melody of a railroad tune and reminisced about his own past as a switchman. It was a typical day at the shop. Outside, the Sun illuminated the clear sky, and a slight wind passed through the front screen door. Whenever the weather was this nice, Pappy kept the inner-door open. He enjoyed the fresh air--almost as much as the distinctive smell of antiques and old engine oil.

As he was polishing his newly restored lantern, he heard the tinkling of his bell on the shop door. The bell, which produced a uniquely charming sound, had been in Pappy's family for over a hundred years. He cherished it dearly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop. Although the bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had strung a wire to the screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not.

Prompted by the bell, he left ‘Memory Hall' to greet his customer. At first, he did not see her. Her shiny, soft curls barely topped the counter. "And how can I help you, little lady?" Pappy's voice was jovial.

"Hello, sir." The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She was dainty. Bashful. Innocent. She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, then slowly scanned the room in search of something special. Shyly she told him, "I'd like to buy a present, sir."

"Well, let's see," Pappy said, "who is this present for?"

"My Grandpa. It's for my Grandpa. But I don't know what to get."

Pappy began to make suggestions. "How about a pocket watch? It's in good condition. I fixed it myself," he said proudly. The little girl didn't answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement. "This is just right," the little girl bubbled. "Momma says Grandpa loves music."

Just then, Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her, "I'm sorry, missy. That's not for sale. Maybe your Grandpa would like this little radio." The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed, "No, I don't think so." In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for so many years, and that was why he didn't want to sell it.

The little girl looked up at him, and with a giant tear in her eye, sweetly said, "I guess I understand. Thank you, anyway." Suddenly, Pappy thought of how the rest of the family was all gone now, except for his estranged daughter whom he had not seen in nearly a decade. Why not, he thought. Why not pass it on to someone who will share it with a loved one? God only knows where it will end up anyway.

"Wait . . . little lady." Pappy spoke just as the little girl was going out the door--just as he was hearing his bell ring for the last time. "I've decided to sell the bell. Here's a hanky. Blow your nose." The little girl began to clap her hands. "Oh, thank you, sir. Grandpa will be so happy."

"Okay, little lady. Okay." Pappy felt good about helping the child; he knew, however, he would miss the bell. "You must promise to take good care of the bell for your Grandpa--and for me, too, okay?" He carefully placed the bell in a brown paper bag.

"Oh, I promise," said the little girl. Then, she suddenly became very still and quiet. There was something she had forgotten to ask. She looked up at Pappy with great concern, and again almost in a whisper, asked, "How much will it cost?"

"Well, let's see. How much have you got to spend?" Pappy asked with a grin. The child pulled a small coin purse from her pocket then reached up and emptied two dollars and forty-seven cents onto the counter. After briefly questioning his own sanity, Pappy said, "Little lady, this is your lucky day. That bell costs exactly two dollars and forty-seven cents." Later that evening as Pappy prepared to close up shop, he found himself thinking about his bell. Already he had decided not to put up another one.

He thought about the child and wondered if her Grandpa like his gift. Surely he would cherish anything from such a precious grandchild. At that moment, just as he was going to turn off the light in ‘Memory Hall,' Pappy thought he heard his bell. Again, he questioned his sanity; he turned toward the door, and there stood the little girl. She was ringing the bell and smiling sweetly. Pappy was puzzled as he strolled toward the small child.

"What's this, little lady? Have you changed your mind?" "No," she grinned. "Momma says it's for you."

Before Pappy had time to say another word, the child's mother stepped into the doorway, and choking back a tear, she gently said, ""Hello, Dad." The little girl tugged on her Grandpa's shirttail.

"Here, Grandpa. Here's your hanky. Blow your nose."

The appointment I was on my way to was very important; I was very late and very lost. With my male ego in check, I began to look for a place to ask directions, preferably a gas station. Since I had been crisscrossing the city, my gas gauge was perilously low and time was of the essence.

I spotted the amber glow of light outside the local fire station. What better place to ask directions?

I quickly stepped from my car and crossed the street to the station. All three overhead doors were open and I could see red fire engines with their doors ajar, chrome shining, waiting in anticipation for the bell to ring.

As I stepped inside, the aroma of the station assaulted me. It was the smell of the hoses drying in the tower, the oversized rubber boots, jackets and helmets. These smells, mixed in with the freshly washed floors and polished trucks, created that mysterious scent associated with all fire stations. Slowing down, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and was transported back to my youth, to the fire station where my father worked for 35 years as head of fire maintenance.

I looked down to the end of the fire station and there it stood, sparkling gold to the sky, the fire pole. One day my dad let me and my older brother Jay slide down the pole, twice. In the corner of the station was the “creeper” used to slide under trucks when repairing them. Dad would say, “Hold on” and he would spin me around until I was dizzy as a drunken sailor. It was better than any Tilt-A-Whirl ride I have ever been on.

Next to the creeper was an old soda machine that had the classic Coca-Cola logo on it. It still dispensed the original green 10-ounce bottles, but they were now 35 cents compared with the 10 cents they were back then. A trip to the soda machine was always the highlight of the visit with Dad to the station, my very own bottle of soda.

When I was 10 years old, I took two of my friends by the station to show off my dad and see if we could weasel some sodas out of him. After showing them around the station, I asked Dad if we could each have a soda before we went home for lunch.

I detected just the slightest hesitation in my father’s voice that day, but he said “Sure” and gave us each a dime. We raced the soda machine to see if our bottle had a cap with the illustrious star on the inside.

What a lucky day! My cap had a star. I was only two caps away from sending for my very own Davy Crockett hat.

We all thanked my father and headed home for lunch and a summer afternoon of swimming.

I came home early that day from the lake, and as I walked down the hall I heard my parents talking. Mom seemed upset with Dad, and then I heard my name mentioned: “You should have just said you didn’t have the money for sodas. Brian would have understood. That money was for your lunch. The kids have to understand that we don’t have any extra money and you need to have your lunch.”

My dad, in his usual way, just shrugged it off.

Before my mother knew I had overheard the conversation, I hurried up the stairs to the room I shared with my four brothers.

As I emptied my pockets, the bottle cap that had caused so many problems fell to the floor. I picked it up and was ready to put it with the other seven when I realized how great a sacrifice my father had made for that bottle cap.

That night I made a promise of repayment. Someday I would be able to tell my father that I knew of the sacrifice he made that afternoon and so many other days, and I would never forget him for it.

My father had his first heart attack at the young age of 47. I guess his lifestyle of working three jobs to support the nine of us finally caught up to him. On the evening of my parents’ 25th anniversary, surrounded by all his family, the biggest, loudest, strongest of us all showed the first crack in the armor we as children thought would always be impenetrable.

Over the next eight years, my father battled back and forth, suffering another three heart attacks until he ended up with a pacemaker.

One afternoon my dad’s old blue Plymouth wagon broke down, and he called me for a ride to take him to the doctor for his annual checkup. As I pulled into the station, I saw my dad outside with all the other firemen crowded around a brand-new pickup truck. It was a deep blue Ford pickup, and it was a beauty. I mentioned to my dad how nice it was, and he commented that someday he would down a truck like that.

We both laughed. This was always his dream – and it always seemed so unattainable.

At this point in my personal life, I was doing quite well in business, as were all my brothers. We offered to buy him a truck, but as he so aptly put it, “If I don’t buy it, I won’t feel like it’s mine.”

As my dad stepped out of the doctor’s office I figured the gray pasty look on his face was from being poked, prodded and pricked with needles.

“Let’s go,” was all he said.

As we got into the car, I knew something was wrong. We drove off in silence and I knew Dad would tell me what was wrong in his own way.

I took the long way back to the station. As we drove by our old house, the ball field, lake and corner store, my dad started talking about the past and the memories each place held.

That’s when I knew he was dying.

He looked at me and nodded.

I understood.

We stopped at Cabot’s Ice Cream and had an ice cream together for the first time alone in 15 years. We talked, really talked that day. He told me how proud he was of all of us and that he wasn’t afraid of dying. His fear was that he was going to be away from my mother.

I chuckled at him; never had a man been more in love with a woman than my dad.

He made me promise that day that I would never tell anyone of his impending death. As I agreed to his wishes, I knew that it was one of the toughest secrets I would ever have to keep.

At the time, my wife and I were looking for a new car or truck. My father knew the salesman at Cochituate Motors in Wayland, so I asked him if he would go with me to see what I could get for a trade-in toward a new car or truck.

As we entered the showroom, and I started talking with the salesman, I spotted Dad looking at the most beautiful, fully loaded chocolate-brown metal flake pickup truck he or I had ever seen. I saw my dad run his hand over the truck like a sculptor checking his work.

“Dad, I think I should buy a truck. I want to look at something small that is good on gas mileage.”

As the salesman left the showroom to get the dealer plate, I suggested that we take the brown truck out for a ride.

“You can’t afford this,” he said.

“I know that, and you know that, but the salesman doesn’t,” I said.

As we pulled out onto Route 27, with my father behind the wheel, we both laughed like a couple of kids at the fast one we had pulled off. He drove for 10 minutes, commenting about how beautifully it rode while I played with all the bells and whistles.

When we returned to the showroom, we took out a small blue Sundowner truck. My dad commented that this was a better truck for commuting because of gas and all the miles I would be driving. I agreed with him and we returned and finalized the deal with the salesman.

I called my dad a few nights later and asked him if he would come with me to pick up the truck. I think he agreed so quickly just to get one final look at “his brown truck,” as he called it.

When we pulled into the dealer’s yard, there was my little blue Sundowner with a sold sticker on it. Next to it was the brown pickup, all washed and shiny, with a big SOLD sign on the window.

I glanced over at my father and saw the disappointment register on his face as he said, “Someone bought himself a beautiful truck.”

I just nodded and said, “Dad, would you go inside and tell the salesman I’ll be right in as soon as I park the car?” As my father walked past the brown truck, he ran his hand along it and I could see the look of disappointment pass over him again.

I pulled my car around to the far side of the building and looked out the window at the man who had given up everything for his family. I watched as the salesman sat him down, handed him a set of keys to his truck – the brown one – and explained that it was for him from me and this was our secret.

My dad looked out the window, our eyes met, and we both nodded and laughed at each other.

I was waiting outside my house when my dad pulled up that night. As he stepped out of his truck, I gave him a big hug and a kiss and told him how much I loved him, and reminded him this was our secret.

We went for a drive that evening. Dad said he understood the truck, but what was the significance of the Coca-Cola bottle cap with the star in the center taped to the steering wheel?

Are you really in love? Or do you think that you are in love?

There is a big difference between Love and infatuation. Some people can't tell the difference, thinking they are in love but really it is a deep infatuation. Infatuation is instant desire - one set of glands calling to another.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, one day at a time.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager, but not genuinely happy.
There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.

Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by their presence, even when they are away.

Miles do not separate you. You have so many wonderful little films in your head that you keep replaying.
But near or far, you know they are yours, and you can wait.

Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing them."
Love says, "Be patient. Don't panic. Plan your future with confidence."
Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you are together, you hope it will end in intimacy.

Love is not based on sex. It is the maturation of friendship, which makes sex so much sweeter. You must be friends before you can be lovers.

Infatuation lacks confidence. When they're away, you wonder if they're cheating. Sometimes, you check.

Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. They feel your trust, and it makes them even more trustworthy.

Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret, but love never steers you in the wrong direction.

Love is an upper. It makes you feel whole. It completes the circle. It fills the empty space in your heart.
Love is elevating. It lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up.
It makes you a better person than you were before. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you don't have. If there is no love in your life, whatever else there is has a lot less meaning. The secret of our being is not only to live but to have something to live for.

INFATUATION

Infatuation is a feeling; real love involves a commitment also. Infatuation is just love of emotion. Real love, though, is love of devotion. Only the emotions are affected in infatuation, but in real love both the emotions and the will are involved. Next, a person "fall into" infatuation, but "grows into" real love.

Guys, have you ever seen a girl who was so beautiful that you thought you'd faint?
This is infatuation! It is based totally on physical attraction. often you don't know much in-depth about the person you so-called love. Thus, infatuation is mostly biological. Also remember, never tell a girl you love her, unless you are willing to marry her.

Then, infatuation is basically selfish where real love is basically selfless.Infatuation is more interested in satisfying yourself and the feeling than it is in the other person.

Real love is primarily interested in the other person. It seeks to give instead of get.. Love unselfishly seeks the highest good for the other person.

Lastly, infatuation is weakened by time and separation where real love is strengthened by time and separation.
This does not mean that there will be no pain in separation. On the contrary, there is great pain in separation if
you are truly in love.

LOVE

Now you know what is infatuation, we will go on to discuss about the details of a true love. Love is patient. The word translated "patient" means to wait patiently for the fulfilment of expectations.

When you have difficulty dating this girl and she does not want to come out, if you truly love her, you will not complain and blame her, you must look at the situation from her point of view - maybe she is having some problems which prevented her from coming out. You must react to it with patience and understanding.

Next, have you ever met someone you liked so much that you wanted to push the relationship and make it progress faster? Sure you have! Love, however, is willing to give a relationship time to grow at a natural pace.
It does not push but is willing to wait for the relationship to grow at a rate that is satisfactory to both parties.
Love is Kind Love seeks to encourage and build up others. It respects the feelings and emotions of others..
It finds its greatest satisfaction in making others happy.

You can do the following:

1. Give one another things such as gifts and encouragement cards.

2. Compliment one another. Magnify the other party's strength.

3. Listen to one another. Pay close attention to what each of you has to say and make each other feel that what each says is important.

4. Treat one another special in public. Compliment and encourage one another sincerely in the presence of others.

5. Love is Not Jealous. Jealousy usually indicates an insecure and immature heart. Love wants the best for others, but jealousy is possessive. Jealous is reflected in the childish statement, "If he is going to talk to her, then he can just forget
about me!" Often, one person wants to totally possess the other and to restrict her relationships with others.

6. Love is not about bragging. Love is not a windbag and is not anxious to impress. Often a guy will brag to a girl, trying to impress her so that she will like him. A truly great person, however, does not need to exalt himself! Others will exalt him.

7. Love is Not Arrogant. Love is not conceited, boastful,cocky, or stuck-up. Love, instead, is humble and has a servant attitude. Sometimes, a guy may come across to a girl with an "I can take you or leave you" attitude. His demeanour implies, "You ought to be thankful that somebody as neat as me is dating you." Of course, this is not love.

8. Love always covers. This word cover means to pass over in silence, to keep confidential.

9. Love is patient with the faults of others. It doesn't criticise and broadcast to the world the faults of others.
Love is there even when it knows the other is not perfect.

10. Love always Perseveres. Love always stands its ground and hold out. It will outlast anything. It will even love in the face of unrequited love. Real love will last though all sorts of trials, tribulations and stresses.

11. Love is Not Provoked. This means that love has a long fuse. It does not become irritated and angry. It is not easily offended.

12. Love does not seek its own. This is the heart of love. Love is other-centred rather than self- centred. Love says, "I love you, I want to give to you." Selfishness says, "I love you, I want you!"

13. Love does not act unbecomingly. This means that love does not behave disgracefully, dishonourably or indecently. It does not embarrass others by its action. It is characterised by tact and sensitivity. This also means that love should have good manner. Be sure to do little things like opening doors for your girl, or offering her your arm when you walk together.

14. Lastly, Love is forgiving. This is a MUST for a successful love story. If a guy is not willing to forgive and forget when his girlfriend is one hour late, he is not exhibiting love. Love doesn't hold grudges when it has been
wronged. It doesn't remain resentful.

** Remember this: Love forgets past failures and sins. **

男人永远搞不清楚女人的安全期。女人则永远搞不清楚男人的冷静期。

　　男人说：“我想一个人冷静一下。”这是不是代表他想分手呢？他没说分手。只说要冷静。那么，他到底要冷 静多久？

　　“我会打电话给你。”男人通常会这样说，而不会直接告诉女人他要冷静多久。
　　女人回家等男人的消息。对女人来说，这段冷静期漫长而痛苦。她知道，男人忽然希望一个人冷静一下，那就 是说他不爱她了，他想分手，只是他还开不了口。所以他需要一点时间。

　　所谓冷静期，根本就是一方等候另一方宣布这段爱情死亡。很少情侣能够熬过冷静期，冷静期过后又再走在一 起的，只是苟延残喘？很快就会分手。

　　“冷静”根本就是“分手”的同义词。谈过几次恋爱的人，不会笨得不明白冷静的意思。虽然明白，我们还是 很难接受对方忽然说：“我们冷静一下好吗？”无论听尽多少次类似的说话，我们还是希望这一次是例外的，这一 次的“冷静”是有好结果的。无论受过多少教训，我们还是弄不清楚男人要冷静多久。我们还是会追问：“你为什 么要冷静？你要冷静多久？”

其实不是太坏

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　　当事情将要改变的时候，你会发现它其实不是太坏。

　　你实在受不了自己的发型，它看来又糟又乱。拖了个多月，你终于抽到时间去理发。这一天出发之前照照镜子 ，你会发觉你的发型其实蛮好看，还可以迟些才去修剪。

　　你一直嫌这所房子太小，明天你要搬走了，搬去一所大一点的房子。这天晚上，你会发现这所房子有很多东西 值得你留恋，这里其实很不错。为什么你现在才觉得？

　　这条裙子搁在一旁很多年了。每年换季，你都会把它拿出来，但是每一季你都没有穿它。当你终于决定把它送 给别人，你会发现这条裙子其实很漂亮。也许有一天你会再穿的。

　　你家里那头狗常常给你添麻烦，它不听话，随处便溺，它身上的毛经常打结。
它生过皮肤病，又试过出去给其他狗搞大肚子。你根本没时间照顾它，你好不容易才找到一位朋友愿意收养它。把 它送走的前一天晚上，你忽然发现它其实很可爱。它这晚特别乖，没有随处便溺，连身上的毛也乖乖 不打结。

　　你想离开这个人，你已经不爱他了。当你决定跟他说分手的时候，有那么一刻，你会觉得他其实不是太坏，他 对你不错……

　　为什么我们往往在事情将要改变的时候才舍不得？

　　每个人身上都有一种独特的气味，日子久了，那种气味就代表他。

　　F说，他爸爸是一家海鲜酒家的厨师。小时候，每晚爸爸下班回来，他都嗅到他身上有一股浓烈的腥味。他们 住在一个狭小的房间里，爸爸身上的腥味令他很难受。他和爸爸的关系很差，考上大学之后。他立刻搬出去跟朋友 住。两父子每年只见几次面。

　　后来，他爸爸病危，躺在医院里。临终的时候，他站在爸爸的病榻旁边，老人家身上挂满各种点滴，加上医院 里浓烈的消毒药水味道，他再嗅不到小时候他常常嗅到的爸爸身上的那股腥味——那股为了养活一家人而换来的腥 味。他把爸爸的手指放到自己鼻子前面，可是，那记忆里的腥味已经永远消失。那一刻，他才知道，那股他曾经十 分讨厌的腥味原来是那么芳香的。

　　爸爸走了，他身上的腥味却永存在儿子的脑海中，变成了悔疚。F说，他不能原谅自己小时候曾经跟同学说： “我讨厌爸爸的味道。”

　　他记得他有一位同学的爸爸是修理汽车的，每次他来接儿子放学，身上都有一股修车房的味道。另一个同学的 爸爸在医院工作，身上常常散发着医院的味道。

　　爸爸的味道，总是离不开他的谋生伎俩。爸爸老了，那种味道会随风逝去。我们曾否尊重和珍惜他身上的味道 ？

　　你爸爸是什么味道的？

Dear Friends ,Do you have any regrets that you would like to share?


后悔有什么不好？

有些人爱说：“我做事从来不会后悔。”听起来很豪气。他们真的是从不后悔吗？我们去超级市场买错了没用的东 西回家也会后悔，何况更大的事情？那些说自己从不后悔的人只是知道后悔是没用的。
　　已经做了决定，何必还去想另一个决定会不会更好？反正已不能回头。
　　我们老觉得后悔是弱者的表现，所以很多人要逞强，说自己永不后悔。人为什么不可以后悔呢？后悔并不是弱 者所为。
　　懂得后悔，才不会犯同样的错误。那么，下一次也许会做得更好。与其强迫自己不后悔，不如从后悔中学习。
　　悔、悔恨、悔疚。统统不是问题，但是后悔的时间必须要短。无止境地后悔和悔恨，那的确是弱者所为。为一 件事情后悔十年，不如用一个月时间后悔，然后用剩下的九年零十一个月的时间改变。
　　我后悔爱过这个人，所以我以后不会再这么蠢。
　　我后悔做了这些傻事，我以后不会这样。
　　我后悔说了这些话，我以后会想清楚才说。
　　后悔有什么不好呢？强迫自己不去后悔，也许只会一直错下去，直到泥足深陷。那时你会后悔自己当初不肯后 悔。