Little Things Mean A Lot

Coming back on the Mukilteo ferry, I couldn’t help but think of what a beautiful close it was to our Valentine’s Day outing. The setting sun reflected off a passing ferry, and bright flashes of light from the Coast Guard lighthouse began to shine in the gathering darkness. Many thoughts raced through my head; the knowledge that my own life has come to the gathering of dusk; that there is still beauty in that twilight; and that love will see me through.


There is much to be said about a love that comes late in life. What it lacks in youthful fireworks, it makes up for with the day-to-day little things that show you care for each other. Even as a teenager I had some expectation of what I thought true love should be. In 1954, Kitty Kallen recorded a song that reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard chart… a song called “Little Things Mean A Lot.” I loved the song and learned all the lyrics, of course dreaming of the day when that special person would be part of my life. Today that song has even more meaning to me. I am no longer young, attractive or energetic. Like it or not, I am almost seventy years old, have little hair and my chin line sags. My pride of independence has been humbled by cancer. But Bob is always here with me, to “Give me a hand when I’ve lost my way; Say I look nice when I’m not.” I love you Bob… For always and ever, now and forever, little things mean a lot.

Little Things Mean A Lot
(Lyrics written by Edith Lindeman and Carl Stutz)

Blow me a kiss across the room
Say I look nice when I'm not
Touch my hair as you pass my chair
Little things mean a lot

Give me your arm as we cross the street
Call me at six on the dot
A line a day when you're far away
Little things mean a lot

Don't have to buy me diamonds or pearls
Champagne, sables or such
I never cared much for diamonds and pearls
'Cause honestly, honey, they just cost money

Give me your hand when I've lost my way
Give me your shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray
Give me your heart to rely on

Send me the warmth of a secret smile
To show me you haven't forgot
For always and ever, now and forever
Little things mean a lot

... PLM