I had no illusions about you he said. I knew you were silly and frivolous and empty-headed. But I loved you. I knew that your aims and ideals were vulgar and commonplace. But I loved you. I knew that you were second-rate. But I loved you. Its comic when I think how hard I tried to be amused by the things that amused you and how anxious I was to hide from you that I wasnt ignorant and vulgar and scandal-mongering and stupid. I knew how frightened you were of intelligence and I did everything I could to make you think me as big a fool as the rest of the men you knew. I knew that youd only married me for convenience. I loved you so much I didnt care. Most people as far as I can see when theyre in love with someone and the love isnt returned feel that they have a grievance. They grow angry and bitter. I wasnt like that. I never expected you to love me I didnt see any reason that you should. I never thought myself very lovable. I was thankful to be allowed to love you and I was enraptured when now and then I thought you were pleased with me or when I noticed in your eyes a gleam of good-humored affection. I tried not to bore you with my love I knew I couldnt afford to do that and I was always on the lookout for the first sign that you were impatient with my affection. What most husbands expect as a right I was prepared to receive as a favor.

I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.

My brothers we have a special and distinct role as Christian men fathers husbands and leaders in the family in the Church and in society at large. If we dont step up we run the risk of seeing our families overrun and absorbed by the surrounding culture. This is not acceptable. Start with prayer. Be faithful be consistent have courage show humility and remember . . . we are made for a heavenly home and not this world.

I have leveled with the girls - from Anchorage to Amarillo.I tell them that all marriages are happyIts the living together afterward thats tough.I tell them that a good marriage is not a giftIts an achievement.that marriage is not for kids It takes guts and maturity.It separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls.I tell them that marriage is tested dily by the ability to compromise.Its survival can depend on being smart enough to know whats worth fighting about.Or making an issue of or even mentioning.Marriage is giving - and more important its forgiving.And it is almost always the wife who must do these things.Then as if that were not enough she must be willing to forget what she forgave.Often that is the hardest part.Oh I have leveled all right.If they dont get my message BusterIts because they dont want to get it.Rose-colored glasses are never made in bifocalsBecause nobody wants to red the small print in dreams.