Broken Hearts

Yesterday, I had one of the most random experiences. I was walking to work when a guy I had never met before stopped me and handed me 7 long stemmed pink roses. He seemed to have a speech impediment so I didn't understand what he wanted me to do with them at first. I asked if he wanted me to take them someplace. He said yes, just take them away from him and give them away to someone who deserves them or keep them yourself. I was shocked. These were beautiful roses... people don't just give them away off the street... or do they??? He said that was really what he wanted me to do and I thanked him for the beautiful gift.

It took me a while to come to the conclusion that these roses were probably meant for someone else, which, if rejected, could be the reason why he wanted to get rid of them so fast. My heart went out to this poor gentleman who seemed to have enough on his plate already, with his physical ailments. It reminded me of my own past experiences with broken hearts.

Words can't even describe the way it feels to have your heart ripped in two. Many people have tried to write songs, poems, even books about the pain and anguish. But to truly understand a heartache, one must experience it first handedly.

It's not uncommon, either. A heart is crushed into pieces each day. I had seen hearts crushed on movies and read books about it, but I prayed that this was one experience I would never have to become acquainted with. Well life throws you for a loop sometimes and though you don't think you need to go through something, someone else does.

Well, no details are needed about my experience except that it surely did hurt. The songs and movies I watched about heartache suddenly made more sense. I could relate to the feelings of loss and aching pain they express. I cried each day for a week and had utterly no desire to date, let alone talk to any guy for months. It was so hard. I knew why I had no desire to feel that pain. I thought I'd never wake up from the endless nightmare I was going through.

But there is hope through the night that the sun will soon rise; with every tunnel, an exit will soon come in sight. One day I woke up, after months and months of pleading, and it didn't hurt. I didn't want to throw water balloons at all the couples I walked past on campus. (I'd never literally do it, of course, but the thought would sometimes bring a smile to my face as I pictured their surprised faces.) ;-)

I'm dating again and have met some wonderful people because of it. It's been a lot of fun and maybe someday, an amazing guy will buy some roses with thoughts of me. Until then, I'll have to wait for the next random guy to give me roses. ;-) They sure do brighten my apartment!