I think we go through different stages of love in our married lives. There was the love that attracted me to my wife, which resulted in me courting her for 18 months. And then there was the love we shared as a married couple, beginning a new life with new experiences. Then there was my love for her as she went through labor pains becoming the mother of our three children. Our love matured even more while the kids were growing and went out on their own. The empty nest allowed us to have adventures like trying to find several dozen covered bridges in Pennsylvania where we worked together in learning to read rural road signs.
Two weeks prior to our golden anniversary, my wife had a minor stroke. Being in the twilight of our years and having to take care of her now, I am experiencing an even deeper love for her. The thought of her departing before I do makes me want to enjoy life with her so much more. I didn’t know I had it in me to be a caretaker. Her memory problems existed before the stroke and she is becoming more dependent on me – and I like it. We don’t know what the future will hold for us, but I’m going to be an even better husband for her until death do us part.
Stan
Married Love Has Many Stages