I read this and thought about many relationships I have had over the years, and how many people say they no longer love their mate because the mate has changed so much. We all have changed over time. As my doctor tells me, I am getting so old that I shouldn't buy green bananas (joking).
So, I wanted to share this story from the pastor of a Church service I attended on Sunday. It was about people changing, and our love can waver with change.
They have been married for two years. He is an avid reader and frequently shares his literary creations online, emphasizing the importance of reading. Additionally, he has a passion for photography and was responsible for capturing their wedding photographs. He deeply loves her, and she reciprocates his affection.
She has a quick temper and constantly bullies him. He is a gentleman and always gives in to her. Today, she's being "willful" again.
Her: "Why can't you be my friend's wedding photographer? She promised she'd pay."
Him: "I don't have time that day."
Her: "Humph!"
Him: "Huh?"
Her: "Don't have time? Write less of those novels, and you will have all the necessary time."
Him: "I... someone will definitely recognize my work someday."
Her: "Humph! I don't care; you'll have to do it for her.
Him: "No."
Her: "Just this once?"
Him: "No."
Negotiation's broken. So, she gave the final warning: "Give me a Yes within three days, or else..."
First day.
She "withheld" the kitchen, bathroom, computer, refrigerator, television, and hi-fi—except the double bed—to show her "benevolence." Of course, she had to sleep on it, too. He didn't mind, as he still had some cash in his pockets.
Second day.
She conducted a raid, removed everything from his pockets, and warned, "Seek any external help, and you bear the consequences." He's nervous now. Night. On the bed. He begs for mercy, hoping that she'll end this state. She doesn't give a damn. No way am I giving in, whatever he says. Until he agrees.
Third day Night. On the Bed. He's lying on the bed, looking to one side. She's lying on the bed, looking to the other side.
Him: "We need to talk."
Her: "Unless it's about the wedding, forget it."
Him: "It's something very important."
She remains silent.
Him: "Let's get a divorce."
She did not believe her ears.
Him: "I got to know a girl."
She's furious and wants to hit him.
But she held it down, wanting to let him finish. But her eyes already felt wet.
He took a photo out from his chest.
Probably from his undershirt pocket; that's the only place she didn't go through yesterday. How careless.
Him: "She's a nice girl."
Her tears fell.
Him: "She has a good personality too."
She's heartbroken because he puts a photo of another girl "close to his heart."
Him: "She says she'll support me fully in pursuing literature after we get married."
She's very jealous because she said the same thing in the past.
Him: "She loves me truly."
She wishes to sit up and scream at him: "Don't I?"
Him: "So, I think she won't force me to do something I don't want to do."
She's thinking, but the rage won't subside.
Him: "Want to look at the photo I took for her?"
Her: ".....!"
He brings the photo before her eyes.
She's in total rage, hits his hand away, and leaves a burning mark of a slap on his face.
He sighs.
She cries.
He puts the photo back in his pocket.
She pulls her hand back under the blanket.
He turns off the light and sleeps.
She turns on the light and sits up.
He's asleep.
She lost sleep.
She regrets treating him the way she treated him.
She cried again and thought about a lot of things.
She wants to wake him up.
She wants to have an intimate talk with him.
She doesn't want to push him anymore.
She stares at his chest. She wants to see how the girl looks.
She slips the photo out. She wanted to cry, and she wanted to laugh.
It's a beautiful photo of her. A photo he took of her when they met.
She bent down and kissed him on his cheek.
He smiled. He was just pretending to be asleep.
Reflecting on my personal growth, I am reminded of the diverse range of individuals I have encountered throughout my life. Many of you are acquainted with my former spouse, a remarkable and compassionate person. Our relationship was once characterized by profound love and affection. However, it is important to acknowledge that change is an inherent aspect of life.
I vividly recall the intense emotions experienced during our separation, including love, anger, and eventual acceptance. While the parting process is always challenging, my ex-wife has found immense happiness in her current life. It is possible that further changes may occur in the future.
As I progress through life, I yearn for a more stable and predictable path, akin to the experience of riding a classic Model T with a guiding rail, reminiscent of the amusement park rides. However, I recognize that this would have deprived me of the rich tapestry of experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, that have shaped my life.
Throughout this week, I intend to cherish the memories of the meaningful interactions and shared smiles with countless individuals. These memories will remain etched in my mind forever. They have the power to uplift my spirits and remind me of the abundance of reasons to smile in my life.
Carry on, my friends. Carry on.
