On January 31, 2009, my husband and I will be married 50 years. 50 years in the constant company of one person. Even Jesus, who preached love and endurance, would be impressed. Nations turn inimical, go to war, lose their men, boundaries get reset and animosity lasts for decades. But marriage endures. Many don’t, but in my generation, many did.
Frankly, half of what I’ve done would not have been accomplished without him. Henry has tolerated me as no one else could. And the same goes for me. But I have more to be tolerated than he does. In his wisdom, he knows I’ve tried to use what I have wisely and the results, despite travails, have pleased him. On my part, I’ve endured his tenaciousness, workaholicism, mania for gardening (he can’t be seen among his bushes), gluelike friendships, and an unnameable trait called Henryism. Is all this another word for love?
Wife or husband, by what means has your relationship endured (if it has)?
