DEAR ABBY: Having read the column of reader reaction to the 52-year-old woman who wondered if she should marry the older man, I would like to comment. I speak from experience. I, too, am 52, and have been married to a 70-year-old man for 2 1/2 years. What happiness! He is not old ... he is "old enough":
Old enough to appreciate and accommodate our differences, as well as our shared views and habits.
Old enough to be truly patient with my faults.,
Old enough to lovingly accept my aging body.
Old enough to manage our finances wisely.
Old enough to encourage me to maintain contact with longtime friends.
Old enough to never feel threatened by the independence he gives me.
And caring enough to unselfishly prepare my meals almost daily because I must still work. (Oh, how I look forward to going home for lunch each day, and how precious to return to him after work each evening!)
Abby, marrying him was the best decision I ever made. -- B.M.P. IN OLATHE, KAN.
DEAR B.M.P.: What a beautiful tribute to your husband. I couldn't resist setting it up as the love poem that it is. May you enjoy many happy, healthy years together.