Richard, very nicely written, and so pertinent of life. I have been with my wife for 34 years. She is the kindest and most forgiving person I have ever met in my life. Then there's me, the Sicilian from Providence who grew up on the streets of Federal Hill. Two of my uncles were mob enforcers. Enough said. And yet, it works, and she constantly has shown me how her way is good...most of the time. Checks and balances. My wife and I were just married and having a nice quiet romantic dinner at our favorite reataurant in the world. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said " I love you so much, that if either of us goes 1st, I hope its me." I responded " I hope it is too! " I was only kidding. Nothing is further from the truth. Again, our condolences.