Longing and Patience, 18 Years

A poem by Mary Oliver, "March":

There isn't anything in this world but mad love. Not in this world. Not tame love, calm love, mild love, no so-so love.And, of course, no reasonable love. Also there are a hundred paths through the world that are easier than loving. But, who wants easier? We dream of love, we moon about, thinking of Romeo and Juliet, or Tristan, or the lost queen rushing away over the Irish sea, all doom and splendor. Today, on the beach, an old man was sitting in the sun. I called out to him, and he turned. His face was like an empty pot. I remember his tall, pale wife; she died long ago. I remember his daughter-in-law. When she died, hard, and too young, he wept in the streets. He picked up pieces of wood, and stones, and anything else that was there, and threw them at the sea. Oh, how he loved his wife. Oh, how he loved young Barbara.
I stood in front of him, not expecting any answer yet not wanting to pass without some greeting. But his face had gone back to whatever he was dreaming. Something touched me, lightly, like a knife-blade.I felt I was bleeding,though just a little, a hint. Inside I flared hot, then cold.I thought of you.
Whom I love,
madly.

Todd and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary on July 24th. We were too poor to do much and we shared one card and wrote to each other on it, laughing at how things have come to this.

Mom and Dad, who will celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary this August, are getting ready to get into their new townhome. We are excited to get to be part of the family team helping out with the move. My sister, Pam, was out from Iowa and we had a fun time getting to catch up a little. She was a big help to my parents with packing up and getting ready for the move. Can't wait to celebrate with Mom and Dad in their new place. It's been a long journey for them with lots of frustration along the way. Patience, patience, patience....