A life-long affair
becomes
a life-long affair.
They have me for dinner every Friday night. . .
Dear Kristine:
I saw your play last week - one of my friends has the DVD and we watched the beginning. I had to turn it off, however.
The character of Fred made me too sad. Kristine, I know how he feels. I've been in love with the same woman for almost forty years. She's married to one of my best friends.
I'm single - I have never been able to attach to anyone other than the one woman I love. She's happily married and wouldn't leave him, no matter how much I plead.
We've been lovers on and off for all this time. He knows - of course he knows -but we all sort of act like he doesn't
Here's the weird stuff - they have me for dinner every Friday night. This started decades ago - after they came home from their honeymoon.
At first, I think we all liked being with each other. It was the '60's and things were loose and a little wild. In those days we shared everything.
He's old now, Kristine. Of course, we're all old, but he's really old. He's plenty healthy, though. I bet he outlives me. I smoke - he jogs. I have a lot of stress at work. He's cool.
So, what do I do? Is this okay? I mean, we're all happy and everything. But is this cool?
I'll watch for your reply -
Mac
---------------
I saw your play last week - one of my friends has the DVD and we watched the beginning. I had to turn it off, however.
The character of Fred made me too sad. Kristine, I know how he feels. I've been in love with the same woman for almost forty years. She's married to one of my best friends.
I'm single - I have never been able to attach to anyone other than the one woman I love. She's happily married and wouldn't leave him, no matter how much I plead.
We've been lovers on and off for all this time. He knows - of course he knows -but we all sort of act like he doesn't
Here's the weird stuff - they have me for dinner every Friday night. This started decades ago - after they came home from their honeymoon.
At first, I think we all liked being with each other. It was the '60's and things were loose and a little wild. In those days we shared everything.
He's old now, Kristine. Of course, we're all old, but he's really old. He's plenty healthy, though. I bet he outlives me. I smoke - he jogs. I have a lot of stress at work. He's cool.
So, what do I do? Is this okay? I mean, we're all happy and everything. But is this cool?
I'll watch for your reply -
Mac
---------------
Dear Mac -
Ahhh, yes. The '60's. I remember them well!
"Poems and prayers and promises and things that we believe in . . how sweet it is to love someone - how right it is to care." - John Denver.
The only problem, of course, is that no one seems to be caring for Mac.
Least of all, Mac.
Forty years, Mac? Forty? Holy moly.
I'm so sorry. And yes, I'm sure he knows about your relationship with his wife. I'm sure it gives him the vinegar he needs to make his daily salad, if you catch my drift.
Seems you and the lady have worked for decades to keep him happy.
Now, as he ages, you all feel a little trapped and a little guilty.
I guess I could tell you to shake the past, grow up, and start living the life of a real, independent man with a future.
But I have no idea how old you are or how eager you would be to respond to that kind of message.
Instead, you have my blessing.
Bless your heart. If you have loved the same woman for forty years, denied yourself the affection and affililation of family, bless you.
If you have walked the earth as a solitary man, connected to this couple by weekly dinners, and if this has sustained you through the years when your peers were having babies, taking family vacations, building futures and doting on their pets and properties, bless you.
The years before you are the most precious. I wish you happiness - if that means meals with your private little Blondie and Dagwood, then go for it.
What harm can it do? The real harm was done years ago.
Ahhh, yes. The '60's. I remember them well!
"Poems and prayers and promises and things that we believe in . . how sweet it is to love someone - how right it is to care." - John Denver.
The only problem, of course, is that no one seems to be caring for Mac.
Least of all, Mac.
Forty years, Mac? Forty? Holy moly.
I'm so sorry. And yes, I'm sure he knows about your relationship with his wife. I'm sure it gives him the vinegar he needs to make his daily salad, if you catch my drift.
Seems you and the lady have worked for decades to keep him happy.
Now, as he ages, you all feel a little trapped and a little guilty.
I guess I could tell you to shake the past, grow up, and start living the life of a real, independent man with a future.
But I have no idea how old you are or how eager you would be to respond to that kind of message.
Instead, you have my blessing.
Bless your heart. If you have loved the same woman for forty years, denied yourself the affection and affililation of family, bless you.
If you have walked the earth as a solitary man, connected to this couple by weekly dinners, and if this has sustained you through the years when your peers were having babies, taking family vacations, building futures and doting on their pets and properties, bless you.
The years before you are the most precious. I wish you happiness - if that means meals with your private little Blondie and Dagwood, then go for it.
What harm can it do? The real harm was done years ago.
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