The Best Love
I have been married to Scott for 20 years. He has115 pounds. Once a marathon runner, he now runs only down2halls. His hair is becoming less and his body shows the3of long working hours and too many candy bars.
When my friend asked me "What will make this love last?" I ran through all the obvious4: responsibility, unselfishness, physical attraction, communication. Yet there's more. We still have fun. Last Saturday at the grocery, we split the shopping5 and raced each other to see who could make it to the checkout first.We6being together.
There is understanding I understand why he must play basketball with the guys. And he understands why, once a year, I must get away from the house to7my sisters for a few days of nonstop talking and laughing.
There is sharing. Not only do we8household worries and parental burdens—we also share9.Once, Scott sent me a thick historical novel.10he prefers thrillers(惊险小说) and science fiction, he had read the novel first. He11my heart when he explained it was because he wanted to be able to12ideas about the book after I'd read it.
There is forgiveness. When I'm embarrassingly loud and13at parties, Scott forgives me. When he admitted14some of our savings in the stock market, I gave him a hug and said, "It's nothing15. It's only money."
Finally there is sensitivity. Last week he came home and told me about a 60-year-old woman who'd had a stroke(中风) and would probably never16? He wept as he recalled the woman's17standing beside her bed, holding her hand. I18too. Because it was of the medical crisis. Because there were still people who have been married 40 years. Because my husband is still moved and19after years of hospital rooms and dying patients.
I guess we've got what it20to make our love last.
