Forever

I finally undersand true love. It's simple: you either have it or you don't. When you fall in love later in life, you come with baggage. Some of us, a couple of duffles; others, big trunks. I always wondered why some people were so lucky. I'd see these people married for years and still so in love. My brother is an example. He and his wife after 23 years of marriage still look hot and they're obviously hot for each other. It's been that way since the beginning. She runs to the door and into his arms when he comes home. He can't imagine a night without her. There are no cutting comments made like in popular sitcoms; names like "the ball and chain" or the "old battleaxe." And yes, they've had their share of troubles but always loved each other through all of it.

Michael and I look at each other each day in amazementl We wonder why, with all the baggage that surfaces, we remain untouched. Why are we able to love each other so big and remain unaffected? It's simple, a bad day with him is better than even the best day with someone else.

This is true love. He left early this morning for the hospital so he could hurry home to take me to an opera matinee. He kissed me and whispered, "God, do I love you." As he pulled out of the driveway, I remembered a past relationship, rejoicing in the sound of the car pulling away so I could have a day alone. This time, the bed is cold. I stumble to the kitchen half asleep and it's quiet. I look at our empty kitchen table, no breakfast that he's prepared, no morning funnies spread out, and no music on the stereo. My only thought is, God do I miss him.

"But when he's gone, me and the lonesome blues, collide
The bed's too big, the frying pan too wide." -Joni Mitchell