Relationships have their chapters. I am glad you recognized yours having entered a new chapter and you didn't shut the book completely. Looking forward to LAT updates when you have them.
Indeed Mark, I'm three times married and twice divorced so I recognise those chapters and the finality of closing that book. LAT is a far better alternative - a wonderful appendix if you like - if affection still exists between a couple.
This is beautiful writing, Harry, and so clearly from the heart. We so often set our lives and arrangements within other people’s conventions and that can be so stifling. Love is what matters and whatever it takes to embrace it, share it and thrive within it. Love by any other name … raising a glass to the happiness your togetherness (and apartness) brings.
Thank you Maureen - it's a bit tough for the first couple of days after saying goodbye to each other - We've found the trick is to keep ourselves occupied. In Sarah's case she is spending today stripping wallpaper while I've opted for clothes washing, shopping, gardening and a long walk. Only 44 days before we see each other again (not that I'm counting the days 😉)
A fascinating post. Harry, and I'm happy to read that you and Sarah have been able to continue to make your relationship work and recognise the benefits it brings each of you. A really hopeful account of what love and friendship can be.
Thank you Matt. After reading the piece, Sarah did comment to me that I failed to mention that on her visits to me she ends up doing some DIY - and a brilliant job she does too. Not only is Sarah the more sensible part of our partnership she is also far the more capable in household repair and maintenance (and gardening)
U A Farnthorpe's poem 'Atlas' is very apt...
There is a kind of love called maintenance Which stores the WD40 and knows when to use it;
Which checks the insurance, and doesn’t forget The milkman; which remembers to plant bulbs;
Which answers letters; which knows the way The money goes; which deals with dentists
And Road Fund Tax and meeting trains, And postcards to the lonely; which upholds
The permanently rickety elaborate Structures of living, which is Atlas.
And maintenance is the sensible side of love, Which knows what time and weather are doing To my brickwork; insulates my faulty wiring; Laughs at my dryrotten jokes; remembers My need for gloss and grouting; which keeps My suspect edifice upright in air, As Atlas did the sky.
Relationships have their chapters. I am glad you recognized yours having entered a new chapter and you didn't shut the book completely. Looking forward to LAT updates when you have them.
Indeed Mark, I'm three times married and twice divorced so I recognise those chapters and the finality of closing that book. LAT is a far better alternative - a wonderful appendix if you like - if affection still exists between a couple.
This is beautiful writing, Harry, and so clearly from the heart. We so often set our lives and arrangements within other people’s conventions and that can be so stifling. Love is what matters and whatever it takes to embrace it, share it and thrive within it. Love by any other name … raising a glass to the happiness your togetherness (and apartness) brings.
Thank you Barrie - much appreciate the kind words (and raised glass!)
It’s lovely that you and Sarah have come to an arrangement that suits both of you, Harry. Wishing you many more happy years together.
Thank you Maureen - it's a bit tough for the first couple of days after saying goodbye to each other - We've found the trick is to keep ourselves occupied. In Sarah's case she is spending today stripping wallpaper while I've opted for clothes washing, shopping, gardening and a long walk. Only 44 days before we see each other again (not that I'm counting the days 😉)
A fascinating post. Harry, and I'm happy to read that you and Sarah have been able to continue to make your relationship work and recognise the benefits it brings each of you. A really hopeful account of what love and friendship can be.
Thank you Matt. After reading the piece, Sarah did comment to me that I failed to mention that on her visits to me she ends up doing some DIY - and a brilliant job she does too. Not only is Sarah the more sensible part of our partnership she is also far the more capable in household repair and maintenance (and gardening)
U A Farnthorpe's poem 'Atlas' is very apt...
There is a kind of love called maintenance Which stores the WD40 and knows when to use it;
Which checks the insurance, and doesn’t forget The milkman; which remembers to plant bulbs;
Which answers letters; which knows the way The money goes; which deals with dentists
And Road Fund Tax and meeting trains, And postcards to the lonely; which upholds
The permanently rickety elaborate Structures of living, which is Atlas.
And maintenance is the sensible side of love, Which knows what time and weather are doing To my brickwork; insulates my faulty wiring; Laughs at my dryrotten jokes; remembers My need for gloss and grouting; which keeps My suspect edifice upright in air, As Atlas did the sky.
A very good poem! I suspect I would also contribute DIY and maintenance were Charlotte and I ever to enter into a similar arrangement to yours!