“My Valentine Girl”
by Doug Shreve
It was Mother’s Day, 2020, when fate, disguised as a business estimate, led me to Dawn Valentine’s doorstep. Little did I know, as I approached her home, that I was walking into the most profound chapter of my life. We met on her patio, and from the moment we sat down, a connection sparked between us so powerful, I felt I had found my home, and I never truly left her side again.
What began as shared companionship blossomed into an extraordinary love. Our souls recognized each other almost instantly, forging a bond so deep and unwavering that separation felt impossible. For a year, our lives intertwined seamlessly, every moment a testament to our burgeoning affection. On November 11, 2021, surrounded by cherished family and friends in a beautiful Iowa church, we formalized our eternal promise, embarking on our married life with hearts overflowing.
Yet, the cruel hand of fate intervened shortly after our vows. Dawn began to exhibit the devastating signs of ALS. Overnight, my role transformed; I became her unwavering primary and sole caregiver, a constant presence by her side, determined to offer comfort and strength in the face of such profound challenge. Despite our fierce fight and her incredible resilience, the illness progressed relentlessly, and she succumbed to pulmonary insufficiency on October 26, 2022.
Our time together, though tragically brief at two and a half years, was a love story more profound than any I could have imagined. I would trade a century with anyone else for those precious moments with Dawn. She loved me with a purity and perfection that still humbles me, and I, in turn, loved her with every fiber of my being, navigating the dual roles of devoted husband and dedicated caregiver. Every day, I am immeasurably grateful and profoundly humbled by the gift of her presence. She wasn’t just my best friend; she was my steadfast voice of reason, my compassionate navigator through life’s complexities, and unequivocally, my soulmate.
Even in her illness, her thoughtfulness shone brightly. She meticulously penned sweet notes, scattering them in unexpected places around our home – treasures I would discover only after her passing. Each message, a testament to her enduring love and foresight, was perfectly designed to uplift my spirit, and they continue to do so. Our journey together was marked by an extraordinary harmony; we never exchanged a harsh word, nor did we spend a single night apart. I will forever cherish every shared moment, holding no regrets, only an endless reservoir of love.
My love for her is an unyielding force, as potent now as it was when she was by my side. I find solace in the certainty that, wherever she may be, her love for me endures. The ache of her absence is a constant, raw pain, and I yearn for the day we are reunited. It touches me deeply when others remark on the profound love I shared with Dawn, wishing for such a bond in their own lives.
Her final moments, spent peacefully in my arms in our living room, are etched forever in my memory. As I gently placed her on the hospital bed, we shared our final goodbyes, both understanding the inevitable separation that life, a poignant tapestry of arrivals and departures, demands. During her struggle, I poured every ounce of my being into her care, loving her with all the strength and devotion I possessed. I am profoundly happy for the time we were granted together; she truly was a divine gift, a blessing beyond measure. I treasure every memory, every shared breath.
Each Valentine’s Day, I retrieve a card she once gave me, always reminded of the beautiful irony that her surname was Valentine. She was, and always will be, my ‘Valentine Girl.’ Happy Valentine’s Day, my dearest Dawn. My love for you is eternal.
