It's always been my belief that when you're with or addressing a married person, male or female, you're not dealing with one person, but two. Respect truly is the issue. Marriage is a sacred covenant in all religions for a reason. It's a precious thing, perhaps the most precious thing that human beings build together. Of course, there are many people who are inattentive to theirs for various reasons, or having a momentary lapse. If I care about people in general, or someone specifically, why would I ever encourage him to even risk his even a little? It wouldn't matter that my intent is honorable. I try to also think of his/her spouse in all my conduct.
But Bill, your attention to others flows from the best kind of caring! Anyone who knows you even a little gets this. You're not responsible for others' imaginings about you, as you know.......the people that matter are the ones you're showing your gratitude to. They know. And as a former RN, I can tell you that your thanks in these gifts means everything! If only people knew how difficult it is to come to care about patients with chronic illnesses over time and to lose some of them, to see them struggle so valiantly and be unable to help past the limits of science. Your smile and small gifts are actually healing, Bill. Thank you.
