Just stumbled upon this thread, but felt moved to respond to Mark's post of 3/4/04: I tend to agree with the prevailing thought that the song describes an older couple and the results of the love they have crafted together over many years. But like at least some others, I have also been intrigued by the interpretation of a committed daughter caring for her older father. Mark objected, citing two lines:

- "Long ago, I used to be a young man. And dear Margaret remembers that for me . . ." and "Sometimes she sees her unborn children in his eyes . . ."

I DO see the possibility of either line describing the bonds felt by a daughter with the heritage of her father, and the children she hopes to bear one day, and that she hopes will carry on the characteristics she remembers of her father when he was younger.

Like others, I am seldom able to get through the song without having to pause. Sometimes it is because I am thinking of the depth of the relationship with my wife. But other times, it is because i am thinking of my father, my memories of him as a strong and vibrant younger man, and my hope that his grandchild will represent that same strength and vitality in his life.