Man, I am glad my anniversary is in October. I would not know how to play it.

Actually, that's not true. I gave my W an inexpensive necklace that had three loops tied to ether. I said they represented our kids and me. She really like it and wears it often. Plus it was cheap.

The bamboo tree story is interesting, but in this case we don't know and when the bamboo tree will grow.

I think this leads to to a thought I had. I was struggling for a long time because I would read stuff and wonder why I can't be like what I read. I'd wonder what is wrong with me. I could give great advice to people, but I couldn't follow it myself.

Then it happened. Maybe the bamboo tree analogy plays here too. All the stuff we do during this process, the learning, the venting, the 2x4s, the highs and lows all go into an account. And some times it seems like a waste of effort. But then one day you wake up with a sense of calm and peace.

I am there now. I was thinking this morning as my wife was walking around naked. I don't need affection from her. I don't need to ML.

I know the affection will come in due time, but just having her around, being friendly, beautiful and a good mom and partner, is really more than I could ask for considering the last year.

It sounds corny, but it is about true giving. Giving of yourself without expecting anything in return. My wife had a rough afternoon at work. when we came home, I told her to take some time for herself while I made dinner and took care of the kids. I also thought she needed a good hug. Now I wasn't doing it because I wanted to feel her in my arms I was 100% doing it because I know she needed it.

And before getting in her car this morning, she thanked me for last night. Then, totally unexpected, she gave me a kiss and an hug. After a while, I was going to pull away but she still held on tight and said "Just a little longer."

You can bet I had a huge smile on my way to work. but even if she didn't give me the kiss and hug, I'd still be feeling good.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
--Jean Jacques Rousseau.