continue with Lee's second year and then the home stretch, YEA

As I have stated before, Lee drove home from New York City 50 times that year. His mother commented that "it seems like she (Me) could get along without him for a weekend." Little did she know that I did not pressure Lee to make all of those trips. Sure, I loved having him home if only for 1 1/2 days. But he wanted to come home and our son and I looked forward to seeing him. Admittedly this made me feel special that he came home so frequently. It certainly was a long drive to only spend about 1 1/2 days together.
All of these gestures, to go the extra mile, to help each other, to talk and communicate with each other all contribute to a successful marriage, in my opinion. It is really difficult to pin point what makes a successful relationship. Over the last 50 years so many people have asked us, "what is the secret?) One thing I can tell you with absolute honesty is that we are still "in love" with each other. If Lee has been gone all day I look forward to his arrival home just like I did in the beginning. All of the events of the day are discussed, albeit mundane at times. We always try to make each other feel special, he still brings me flowers for no particular reason, he still opens the car door as he did 50 years ago.
Every day of out lives we express our love for one another. I am aware that for some this all sounds very corny, it works for us. These acts of kindness come natural for us as well. I guess if they did not, the relationship would not flow as easily. Believe me when I tell you that I thank God every day of my life for my husband. I have been blessed and I am well aware of that. I endeavor each day to nurture and cherish our relationship.
Many years ago I read a book called "The Total Woman" which talked about ways a woman could "make her man happy." I am not going to delve in to the book at this time, but suffice to say, her suggestions for the most part worked. Many feminists have derided and ridiculed this book, "what about what women want",etc. It is a two way street, they are correct about that. Personally, I feel "you reap what you sow" and my husband has definitely reciprocated.
I have to stop for a while because of prior commitments, but I'll be back.
Carol