Being the child of two parents whose love story lasted until my father's death at 78, I can say that one of my greatest blessings was the fact that my father simply adored my mother, and vice versa. It had its downside, of course, because sometimes it felt as if we (my sisters and me) were outside that circle. We were. But that's as it should be -- we moved on and they still had each other. But to grow up in a home in which each of the parents shows each other the tenderest consideration -- what an incredible foundation.

Unfortunately, the great sorrow in my life is that I haven't been able to duplicate that. I always assumed that that was what marriage was and was shocked speechless when I discovered that not all men treat the women they "love" in that almost courtly way. Not that I want to be waited on hand and foot, but ... really profound partnership? Yes. Maybe their example spoiled me forever, but I have tried and simply can't stay married to someone who treats me disrespectfully or takes me for granted. Decided it was better to go it alone than to settle for that. BUT ... I did raise my children with that kind of consideration and tenderness and now that they're adults, the fruits of my love are readily apparent.

WW