“I’m not sure,” I said, “that I could make it without you.” “You could,” Susan said, “but you’ll never have to.” From “Ceremony” by Robert B. Parker

Funny thing about us. I think that through the years we’ve learned to love each other.

What do you mean?

Well, we met and got married at the age of 25. I suspect neither one of us was madly in love with the other but we both kind of figured it was time. We were good people, presented well, and were physically attracted to each other. Know what I mean?

Sort of. Like buddies or maybe even brother and sister. Right?

Buddies, maybe, but not brother and sister. It was not incestuous nor were we soul mates.

Really? How did you make it last so long?

Lately I’ve given the matter a lot of thought.

Most people get married in the heat of passion and often all logic and common sense are ignored.

We did not do that. Instead, we were calm and deliberate and still ignored the facts. I think we were both a bit horny as well.

Hmm. For whatever reason, it seems to me you both made the right decision way back then.

Yes. Seems that way doesn’t it. I think I’ve figured out why. Our relationship did not begin with an explosion. It began calmly – matter of factly. Through the years – the good times and bad – and for reasons I can’t fathom or begin to understand, we made it work. We fell in love the hard way.

Now I realize I love her very much and would not change a thing. I need her. She keeps me from giving up. She was the one for me. She is now my soul mate and I thank God it all worked out.

Does she feel the same?

I think so. She better. It would really piss me off if she didn’t.

Most of the time, what you just described, does not work. You know that don’t you?

Most of the time nothing works.

“Money can’t buy you happiness but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.” – Winston Churchill