How were Laing and I know to know that when he arrived at the same digs as myself on Saturday 14th February 1976 that we would have made an unwritten and unspoken commitment to each other "to have and to hold from this day forward; for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part"?
As the anniversary of our meeting gets closer (it's not a day that's easy to ignore, is it?) I count my blessings and am thankful I was fortunate enough to spend 37 years with a man who gave me more than I was ever able to give him in return.
To any partners reading this, keep at it, even when the going gets tough (and it sure got tough for us more than once). Once your lust turns (hopefully) into a comfortable co-exsistence that's when life gets harder. The hard part is starting off as friends and staying as friends.
Never knock friendship. It is something more valuable than you will ever know. When somebody flies from Switzerland the day after your partner dies to be with you when you are at your most vulnerable, that's when you know you have a friend. I will never be able to repay her the kindness she showed me.
So as Friday gets closer and our 38th anniversary gets nearer, I am planning what I am going to do and where I am going to go in memory of our 40th anniversary. Laing loved Hong Kong, Singapore, Bali and wanted to visit other places. Any suggestions where I can go? Any possible friends (or if I'm lucky my future husband) out there?
Love your Valentine, cuddle up and listen to My Funny Valentine, my preference is any version by Chet Baker, and slowly enjoy each other.
