What a pithy and pungent essay. After more than 50 years of marriage, in which one of us (me) left early on and the other threatened to, I'd say we have created a state known as Us. Once you've become Us, it's just about impossible to think of unbecoming it. Many would not want a marriage like mine, and at times I'm not sure I want it myself. Most long-married people could likely say the same.
I think it does, just like wife means more than person/woman, in the foxhole, under the sheets, in the kitchen, across the room playing with the kids, on vacation, driving together to a wedding/party/funeral, during a separation, in the courtroom...upon reflection, however grim.
"I mean, the variety of humans you will meet in a lifetime is truly remarkable." Whenever I am present in a throng of protesting folks I marvel at the diversity, even though we have gathered for a common cause. Every time I join a conversation with a small collective, I wonder at the different opinions present. Even when I have one of my best conversations with a trusted companion I come away in awe that another human can have such thoughts. I've been lucky to be in several foxholes where sanctuary amidst life's cruelty could be found. One pit, I left of my own accord, in another I was glad she was brave enough to escape over the rim to face the uncertain future. I do know I am a better person, having resisted the urge to be a hermit.
What a pithy and pungent essay. After more than 50 years of marriage, in which one of us (me) left early on and the other threatened to, I'd say we have created a state known as Us. Once you've become Us, it's just about impossible to think of unbecoming it. Many would not want a marriage like mine, and at times I'm not sure I want it myself. Most long-married people could likely say the same.
I think it does, just like wife means more than person/woman, in the foxhole, under the sheets, in the kitchen, across the room playing with the kids, on vacation, driving together to a wedding/party/funeral, during a separation, in the courtroom...upon reflection, however grim.
"I mean, the variety of humans you will meet in a lifetime is truly remarkable." Whenever I am present in a throng of protesting folks I marvel at the diversity, even though we have gathered for a common cause. Every time I join a conversation with a small collective, I wonder at the different opinions present. Even when I have one of my best conversations with a trusted companion I come away in awe that another human can have such thoughts. I've been lucky to be in several foxholes where sanctuary amidst life's cruelty could be found. One pit, I left of my own accord, in another I was glad she was brave enough to escape over the rim to face the uncertain future. I do know I am a better person, having resisted the urge to be a hermit.