One plus one equals two

It seems so long ago,
But was it only yesterday?
We said, "I do."
Karen and Richard sang, "We've Only Just Begun."
A kiss for luck, and you and me were now we.

Did we know each other?
This was before people moved in together,
No "Learner's permits."
Two totally different people,
Meeting on a blind date.

How did I know you were the one?
When I wasn't with you, I could only think of you.
And when I was with you,
I could think of nothing else.
You had captured my heart.

A one-year engagement,
Most of which we were apart.
But when reunited, I was whole again.
I held you in my arms, I loved you,
I knew it was right.

We were meant for each other,
"Like peas and carrots", they say.
When others fought, we reasoned.
Things got tense,

But making up, making love, always brought us back to each other.

Two plus two equals four

You were the perfect mother,
What every mother wants to be.
Their welfare and well-being
Paramount in your every thought.
Your love a shield protecting them.

You were the planner,
Parties, vacations, family outings.
And activities, expanding their lives.
They grew and blossomed,
They were the envy of everyone who knew them.

Four minus two equals two

Then off to college, where of course they excelled.
Your collaboration in their early education assured their success.
After graduation, they would move to change the world,
Practicing the principles we instilled in them.
Love. Charity. Others before self. Children we're proud to say are ours.

Back to two again.
It's been so long, learning all over,
How to be just us.
Rediscovering what made us one,
How things had changed over time.

Starting over again,
Looking around for the kids.
No, it's just us now.
The love and smile in your eyes
Remembrances of those days of long ago.

Two minus one equals one

It's ironic how cruel life can be,
Just when you begin to enjoy it the most,
It's snatched away.
A disease from nowhere,
With barely time to say "Goodbye," you were gone.

Now, my life goes on. Without you.
And of an evening I sit, watching the sun go down,
Remembering those days of long ago.
When you brought joy into my life,
And a belief that it will be you and me again.