How Do I Love Thee

I received an email today from a fellow who is making a book for his wife’s upcoming birthday. Isn’t that sweet? As I thought about what to write, I thought of him. I thought of what an amazing patient husband he is. I thought about their life together for all these years that had withstood the test of time. I thought about this romantic poem “How Do I Love Thee” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Congratulations to a new year of life but mostly to a life well lived in love!

Con amor,

Vero