I know a man, who I consider my friend. I have known him for a short time but I have come to love this man. It wasn't that long ago that I watched closely as my friend showed complete devotion to his wife who was ill. She struggled with various problems with her health. They had been married many years and had spent more time married than they ever did single. My friend cared both day and night for his sick wife. He not only cared for her but he made sure all of the things around their home were taken care of. I watched with admiration.
She eventually passed away and my friend has come to know 'loneliness' very well. I spoke with him a few days ago and listened as he rehearsed, to me, all of the facets of a man with a broken heart. I couldn't help but hurt for him as I listened to what he had to say.
Every day is a new day to do better than the day prior. I want to do some of the things that this friend did. My personality is very different from his but I have seen a few attributes of his that I would like to emulate. He cared for the love of his life in the very best way he knew how.
I remember back on the day that Becky and I were sealed in the Salt Lake temple. I was grateful for that day and what we were doing. All of these years later, I am even more grateful for our decision to be married to one another. I am still wondering what it was that I did that would convince Becky to be with me. I am sure grateful that she saw in me, somebody who would take care of her. It is a great opportunity for me!
Words like commitment, devotion, unconditional love, forgiveness, tolerance, patience. These are real words with important meanings. It's these attributes that are the ingredients to success in your marriages and different relationships.
I am trying harder today to implement these characteristics into my life. I want to do better today!
