Blog 3056 – 03.13.2024

I Can’t Help It

In my life I have married four loving and lovely women. The first three marriages ended in divorce. Actually even this one would have too, but Linda Lee would not let me, proving what my mama said about her was true. Mama said, “David, you know this woman is never going to let you go.” I am glad and grateful to have found a woman who could see something in me worth holding on to.

In the first couple of divorce petitions and degrees there was a statement something like, “It is no longer safe nor sane to cohabit together.” When was it ever? That is just an excuse to give up in most cases. Today’s song I find to be true of everyone that I ever loved not just the ones that I married.

“I can’t help it if I’m still in love with you.” My first ex-wife remarried and had two children. She died twenty-five years ago this Halloween and I still love her and wish I had had more time with her, that I had tried harder to convince her to stay with me.

We all live with regrets and the imperfections of others and ourselves. We try to find reasons to stop loving, but most are just hollow excuses. Mistakes are made, harsh words are said, betrayals take place, when did any of that ever stop a heart from loving? (Disclaimer: The author realizes there are situations where violence, physical and mental, make continued cohabitation unsafe and insane literally.)

To all other excuses love’s answer is always the same, “Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never gives up.” There are many beautiful love songs about lasting love like today’s. Another that comes to mind by Lionel Richey and the Commodores is entitled simple “Still” from the closing line, “I love you still.”

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qX7_P3VhjfiqN39iYst5RiJGnL5HdpqX/view?usp=drivesdk

I Can’t Help It