Country music singer Slim Whitman had a number of hits in the 1950s. One that meant a lot to Melba and I was Wait For Me.
Our senior year at high school had long days and nights as we both had very full schedules and worked full-time after school. Melba worked at Owl Drug Store downtown, and I worked at Al’s Shell Station on Pacific Coast Highway. After work we went to supper and did homework until the early hours of the morning. Melba had the assignment to get my grades up and get me ready for college. This made really long days and nights. The 65 years since have not shortened our work days, except Melba waits at home in her electrically-activated chair and watches out the window for me to make it home as the shadows lengthen. I dedicate this back page to my child bride that is always waiting for me.
“Wait for me at the close of a long, long day…
When night comes in view, I’ll hurry for you…
All I want are your kisses as the sky turns to gray…
At the close of a long, long day…
Sweetheart, when the twilight falls…
My heart calls you dear…
In my arms all your worries will fade away…
At the close of a long, long day.”
As the evening shadows of that certain Fall night creep closer and closer to our apartment door, the phone calls from progeny far away become more precious. The pictures and lines of personal thought flash on the screen of scrolling news feed brings smiles and tears to our minds. We no longer can gather warmth from each other during the long night, nor even sit at the table together; but as we clasp hands to pray, I would take nothing for the sweet, dear and beautiful memories the close of the long day brings to our hearts.