Welcome to 2TheHeart! "The heart has reasons that reason does not understand." ~Jacques Benigne Bossuel ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celebrate summer with CANDLES! Iced Cinnamon Bun, a perfect companion for our Blueberry Bun candle, just $1.99! See the newest bath soaps, bath scrubbies, musical greeting cards and candle scents and sets to create a welcoming home - PERFECT CHEMO ANGELS gifts too! Visit Candlemart and click on "What's New" to see the great summertime specials! http://www.qksrv.net/click-404250-55515 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am very excited to share with you the writing of another new author to 2TheHeart! Steve's story is comprised of a letter written from college to his father, asking for guidance in the ways of love. I LOVED his dad's sage advice!(And wondered what his mother thought of it!)  "A Letter From The Front" by Steve Manchester Stationed on the front lines of life at the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, I was already well into my sophomore year of college before realizing I knew absolutely nothing about the opposite sex. I'd just met Tonia Brightman. Although friends and family predicted she would be just another in my long line of conquests, Tonia had different plans.  In one way or another, she'd cast a spell on this roaming bachelor and to everyone's shock, I dove head first into her cauldron. On an immediate and desperate quest for understanding, I wrote home for reinforcements: Dear Dad, As always, I hope this letter finds you and Mom well.  Things are good here at school and I have no doubt that English Literature is the perfect major for me.  So, relax!  Your investment is being well-spent. Dad, forgive me for cutting to the chase, but I need help.  I think I've finally met "THE ONE!"  Her name is Tonia.  She's beautiful and sexy, with dark hair and eyes to match, but the problem is, she's confusing the heck out of me.  Every time I think I know how to act, I'm wrong.  Every time I think I've reacted correctly, I'm wrong.  I wouldn't ask if it didn't mean so much to me.  I really do need your advice! Love, Steve I still imagine that my father dropped the letter onto his desk, leaned back in his chair and placed both hands behind his head. With a mischievous smile, he undoubtedly pondered my quest into the unknown.  Half of him probably felt bad, while the other half must have chuckled. Women could be a rough trip for sure, but my Dad always joked that there was no better ride on earth. He responded with love: Dearest Steve, First and foremost, your Mom and I are well and I'm happy to find you are the same.  Also, you should know - no matter which path you choose, you'll always be a solid investment.  With that said, onto the pressing matter at hand. Steve, above all things, you MUST be yourself, both in action and reaction.  If any relationship demands differently, then it is destined to fail anyway.  So, be you! The rest is not as simple, so bear with your old man and let's see if I can't shed some light on your wonderful dilemma.  By the grace of your lovely mother, I have learned: Women are a creature of the heart, not intended to be understood, just loved. Mysterious by their very nature, they reveal only what they wish, leaving the rest to the efforts of those who dare to explore them within.  They live by their feelings, rely on their instincts and wonder why their needs are not understood without their ever explaining them.  But trust me Steve, there has never been a more beautiful creature made by the hand of God. Intentionally or subconsciously, women will test your heart and constantly check its depth.  They can easily detect wandering eyes or sniff out anything less than the truth, without even being in your presence.  They only wish to be placed first, though they will never request it.  They desire solid communication, but will rarely say it.  And they only yearn for someone who will understand them completely, though they will never, ever show their entire hand.  But what a wasted life, my boy, to never know their ways. All women are maternal and protective, almost territorial, when it comes to those they love.  They can break your spirit with a look, or heal your soul with those same eyes.  There is no softer touch, nor destructive hands - depending on the circumstance.  The truth is found more in what they don't say, than in what they will have you hear.  And little things like flowers and poetry mean more to them than you could ever imagine. Possessing such complexity, it is still the simple things that seem to make them smile.  But oh, the incredible joys you can reap in return! Steve, as I sit here and write this letter, it has become comically clear to me that I know so very little on the subject you ask.  So, it looks like the rest becomes your research project.  Trust me, son, if Tonia is "The One," your assignment will last no less than a lifetime. Love Always, Dad P.S. When and if you do find some answers, let me know.  I've always been just as curious! Steve Manchester  copyright 2002 shmanchester@statestreet.com Steven Manchester is the published author of: THE UNEXPECTED STORM (P.S.I. RESEARCH; HELLGATE PRESS, 2000) an autobiographical account of Operation Desert Storm - revealing that some war wounds are invisible, while many are never suffered on the battlefield. Steve also wrote JACOB EVANS (TITAN PUBLISHING, 2002) A collection of short stories, ranging from spiritual to suspense, encompassing one man's magical life.  Send Steve an email, welcoming him to our 2TheHeart family! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Check out our new page on 2theheart! Send a Bear Hug to a sick kid for ONLY $6, or even a card - you CAN make a difference! www.2theheart.com/HugsandHope ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you love crafting, stamping, scrapbooking, sewing or any of the other wonderful things JoAnn's fabrics has to offer, check out their fantastic online store for ideas and great deals! http://www.qksrv.net/click-404250-1489915 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Letter Box: Dear Nancy, I am a chemo angel and your poem is just perfect for sending to cancer patients! I hope you don't mind if I include it in cards that I make sometimes. I will always put your name with it. Bless you for writing such comforting words. Chemo Angel Karen Dear 2theheart, I have been ill with pneumonia for some time and the only activity in my days lately has been reading email. I am so glad I subscribe to 2theheart! Your stories have repeatedly brought me comfort - thank you! I especially want to thank Nancy Burr for her poem "I said a Prayer". It brought tears to my eyes and thankfulness to my spirit. What a beautiful poem. Thank you, Janet L. Evans 2theheart, I have decided to make a site for murdered children, these pages for each child  has the story of the child being memorialized. I will add Samantha's page later. Obviously I cannot make a personal site for each child, but did not want to leave these out. I have created this site for those who do not have a website who need a place to go to find some kind of peace, if that will ever be possible. Thank you all for taking the time to view these pages. Love Francine http://poetry-emotion.com/Lifes_Shattered_Dreams/sitemap.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ www.2theheart.com Making a difference, one story at a time! Subscribe: 2THEHEART-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Free eCards: www.2theheart.com/free_ecards_/ See our store! www.2theheart.com/our_store_/ To submit a story to 2TheHeart: www.2theheart.com/submit_story/ Archives: www.2theheart.com/archives