Darling Sylvia, You are my lover and my best friend. The songs that form the background of our life capture the truth of our journey. I am amazed by my good fortune that you chose me as your life partner at Alma in the fall of 1966. You have shared sixty years of joys, sorrows, laughter and tears with me. You trusted me to grow with you. We have learned to live in the present while honoring our past and looking forward to a better future together.
It is another hot date in the hospital. I am in the waiting room at the Samsky Invasive Cardiovascular Services Center while you undergo your second cardiac ablation to help control your arrhythmia. Frankly, I am scared out of my mind. When I am called back to be with you, I will try to appear brave, strong, and comforting, but all I really want is to hold your hand. You will see through my bravado, as you always do, and I will be the one comforted rather than the comforter. It is always better when we are together.
I much preferred waiting with the nuns at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Calgary for our son Nate to be born. Do you remember the fireworks outside the ward window on the last day of the Calgary Stampede? I was scared then, about to become a father for the second time, but I would choose that waiting room over this one. Have I told you how important you are to me? Do you know how deeply aware I am of the blessings you have brought into my life? You hold the keys—passwords and all—to my soul. I love you, Sylvia Rutledge Robertson. I know I am a very lucky man
Much love, Eddie Bert
What reminds you of the times of your life together?
Are words of affirmation important to you? to your mate?
Talk it over together. Remember. Affirm each other.