Love never dies

VALENTINE’S DAY: a celebration of love that allegedly dates all the way back to the third century in Rome and honours the life of a romantic priest named St Valentine. But it certainly doesn’t hold the same meanings for everyone.

While some of us shun the occasion as being nothing more than commercial nonsense giving retailers the chance to big up their profits, others see the day as a truly special moment of the year and opportune moment to show their nearest and dearest just how special they are.

For Derek Cornwell, it’s all about reminiscing times past with his other half who sadly passed away in July 2002. His special Valentine’s message this year reads: “My Valentine needs no special day. She within me will forever stay.”

In July 1977, Cornwell announced his engagement to Irene Keramides in the Cyprus Mail and in April 1978, the two happily announced their wedding.

The couple met in the mid 70s through mutual friends while Cornwell was working in Cyprus following a move from the UK. As they fell in love, they soon travelled the world together, with Irene working as a senior purser for Cyprus Airways. Being Cornwell’s second marriage, he felt that he had truly met his other half.

Just a few months before Irene passed away from cancer in February 2002, Cornwell sent a special Valentine’s poem to the paper. “Your wish is ever mine to give, the world within my power. Your happiness for you I live, to give you your desire.”

In July 2002, a much sadder message reads: “My lovely wife passed on yesterday, she was my whole life and forever will be.”

Cornwell explains that sending in a Valentine’s message this year was just a small gesture affirming that Irene will always be his one and only true love. Describing himself as a “romantic at heart” he will never get over the fact that his wife is no longer at home with him.

“We lived a very happy life together, she was my everything; it was beautiful,” says Cornwell. “Now she’s gone I’m left alone with the memories.”