Lee, I am so glad you and your second husband had the glorious years together you did, and that you shared such an intense, deep bond. I am terribly sorry about his loss. What happened to him and you both truly is tragic, as you'd said. I have no doubt you are a very strong, tenacious person from everything you've related in this post (and your other posts I've had the good fortune to read).

Please know people like you inspire hope and foster fortitude in me and others, I'm sure. A similar relationship to yours is something to which I aspire, though I must admit I've had two that made the grade already. Perhaps that's what worries me sometimes...that I've had my share and may be relegated to something merely acceptable, or nothing at all.

I'm sorry also for what you endured in your first marriage. I've read about it in your writing elsewhere on the forum, and I've cringed at the way your first husband treated you at times! I love when you kick butt around here, so to speak, and tell women they should not put up with similar conditions and to stand up for themselves. I guess when one is embroiled in a relationship that isn't conducive to one's well being it is often almost impossible to see things for what they are, and I really appreciate that you act as a beacon for people struggling in those circumstances. I wish I'd been able to avail myself of your perspective at certain junctures in my past, believe me!

All the best to you, Lee. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.