A precious gift. Another gem.

The two true loves in my life have something in common. Our paths crossed. In part because my true loves experienced the ignominy of divorce. Yes, bad marriages. And I’m the sort of guy who practices taking bad and turning it into good. That’s part of being a romantic idealist, a lover, a dreamer.  I truly loved Jeanne. My wife for 38 years. She died 7 years ago. After a 13-year siege with Alzheimer’s. My mission was to teach Jeanne about true love.  Which is near-unconditional, if not complete, acceptance of another human being. Frailties and all.  I was lucky. Blessed to have had Jeanne in my life.  I even thanked her ex-husband. For screwing up. Because that made Jeanne available. She was a precious gift. I knew how to appreciate and love Jeanne. He didn’t. That was his loss. My gain. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Well, turns out my second true love is divorced, too. Another bad marriage. So I end up with a charming and delightful Italian. Another gem. I have yet to thank the ex-husband. But will, if I ever meet him. –Jim Broede