We are both in love. With life.

My Italian true love flew back to Italy yesterday. After six weeks with me. In Minnesota. Before winter arrives, I’ll join her. In Sardinia. An island. In the Mediterranean Sea. Some 120 miles off the Italian boot. It’s a nice arrangement. We flit back and forth. Enjoying the best of two worlds. Together. On Oct. 25, we will celebrate our 7th anniversary. A loving relationship. That started when we met on the Alzheimer’s message boards. We pursue our independent lives.  One way or another. In the flesh. In each others' homeland. But even when we are apart, we still connect. Every day. On Skype. And by love letters. Yes, we are living in a very modern and sophisticated age. Makes it possible to fly back and forth. In a few hours. And to communicate.  Instantly. Electronically.  It’s a rare day when we don’t see each other. Or converse. She teaches English and English literature. I’m a combination of things. A romantic idealist, a spiritual free-thinker, a political liberal, a lover, a dreamer, a writer. Nicest thing about the relationship. We are both in love. With life.  –Jim Broede