love understood, i hope* 

Ok, I shall dwell on the same subject of 'L-O-V-E' but from a different perspective. Not as crabby this time. I hope.

I finished my 8th Elizabeth Berg book, Say When, last week. The book revolves around the character called Griffin, who struggles to save his marriage after his wife, Ellen told him she was having an affair with a younger man who makes her feel "alive" and has asked him for a divorce. The book also takes us on Griffin's self realization journey to understand his contributing role in the dwindled marriage.

Having completed the book, I still find myself going back and forth to three conversations, which were very compelling, poignant and profound. Very. Elizabeth Berg's writing does that to me. Every single book, without fail.

I will share one of the three conversations with you. Take this as a continuation from the last post. The conversation will champion this key point to singletons - You complete yourself.

Scenario:
Griffin informed Evelyn, his secretary, about his divorce. The conversation got them to the topic of why Evelyn never got married, after losing her lover in a car accident when she was nineteen. She self-assuredly said the one she lost was THE ONE for her. And she explains...

"I suppose we all think of other roads, Mr. Griffin. But... I don't know, maybe I can't explain this so that you can understand. But the love I have for that young man was enough, somehow. I know right after he died that I would never feel that way again. I knew it. And I never did. So I wasn't surprised by that; I was never bitter. It was just...my life, what was given to me. I accepted it. I cherished it."

"I have to ask you though - don't you get lonely?"

"Oh, well." She laughed a little. "There is more in the world than a marriage and children, Mr. Griffin. More than a love relationship. I have friends. I sing in the choir at church. I travel, I read, I go to plays and concerts. I have a little gray cat that sleeps at the foot of my bed. I buy outrageously expensive cheeses and I eat them all. And you know, I still love that boy. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. He lives on in my heart. And in that way, I have love in my life, too." She leaned forward, spoke earnestly. "You see? I feel lucky to have found such a love. So many people don't." She smiled. "You shouldn't feel sorry for me!"

"It's true that I used to."

"Yes, a lot of people do."

"I'm sorry."

"It's all right."

He stood, straightened his tie. "You know, I'm really glad you told me all this, Evelyn."

"I am, too."

[Honestly, I would recommend this book to everyone; irregardless of whether you are single or married. Go buy and read. And with that, I hope I have done my minor part to promote this wonderful writer by the name of Elizabeth Berg.]
June 25, 2005 // anjali* pranced on tip-toes all over the keyboard at 8:46 pm
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