Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004 - 1:30 a.m.
It's nearly 1:30 a.m. I'm awake and thinking of you. I am a strong and sensitive man, and my heart goes out to you and your family with such passion that sometimes (like now) I feel tears of sheer frustration to witness the pain and the suffering your marriage is causing you and your children.
I've told you before, and this is worth repeating. You are a magnificent woman, and no matter what stage you are in your recovery, you exhibit an enormous self-discipline and personal courage. It's a pleasure for me to help you achieve your goals. I am happy that we have overcome obstacles in our relationship, and feel honored that you will rely on me. I see a bright future for our friendship.
You are beautiful beyond physical beauty, which shows through your sweaty gym clothes and unwashed face in the morning. I see both spiritual and intellectual beauty as well, and importantly, I see a woman like no other. You exhibit emotional courage of the caliber I have not seen since my youth in my own Mother who suffered the sudden loss of the man who was the love of her life, and who grappled with problems that were frightfully above her head. What I saw then I see now in you.
Sleepless, I write these words because I feel compelled to tell you, and to tell you right now in these quiet hours of the morning, where only the soft breathing of your calm mind, body and soul can be heard.
I love you for everything you go through in your life. It shapes you. It carves out of stone a soft woman with a beautiful heart. It gives life to your children. It encourages this stranger to become a better man, and above all to love and respect you for who you are right now.
You have many lists; but there is one list that you hold dearest in your heart. This is the list of your life's uncompleted chores and desires, and needs and wants, and all the things so personal to you that have been interrupted and postponed and put on the shelf and delayed since the day they were written to your list. For all the things you have to do; for all the lists you make; for all the thoughts you write in books next to passages written -- it is this list that I speak of that I want to help you with most.
I pray you will.
Love,
Bob
