The Book I'm Reading Now

ALL I REALLY NEEDED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN(UNCOMMON THOUGHTS ON COMMON THINGS) by Robert Fulghum is a new book that I just started reading.

I've never heard of this author before. I just happened to spot this title amongst all the "inspirational" books stacked side by side on the shelf at KINXXXXXXX during one of my short breaks. Didn't seem a big deal when I bought it cos I just needed something fresh to read apart from all my military books.

However, it's probably been weeks or even months before I even opened the book. In fact, only yesterday morning on the train back from TXXXXXX PXXXX did I seriously sit down to read it.

Only one word describes my reading so far: Enlightening.

Contents fit the title to a T. Some passages may not be relevant in this current times but most of it is reflective of life.

Here's a passage that touched me deep, very very deep:

"This is kind of personal. It may get a little syrupy, so watch out. It started as a note to my wife. And then I thought that since some of you may have husbands or wives and might feel the same way, I'd pass it along. I don't own this story, anyway. Charles Boyer does.

Remember Charles Boyer? Suave, dapper, handsome, graceful. Lover of the most famous and beautiful ladies of the silver screen. That was on camera and in the fan magazines. In real life it was different.

There was only one woman. For forty-four years. His wife, Patricia. Friends said it was a lifelong love affair. They were no less lovers and friends and companions after forty-four years than after the first year.

Then Patricia developed cancer of the liver. And though the doctors told Charles, he could not bear to tell her. And so he sat by her bedside to provide hope and cheer. Day and night for six months. He could not change the inevitable. Nobody could. And Patricia died in his arms. Two days later Charles Boyer was also dead. By his own hand. He said he did not want to live without her. He said, "Her love was life to me."

This was no movie. As I said, it's the real story - Charles Boyer's story.

It's not for me to pass judgment on how he handled his grief. But it is for me to say that I am touched and comforted in a strange way. Touched by the depth of love behind the apparent sham of Hollywood love life. Comforted to know that a man and woman can love each other that much that long.

I don't know how I would handle my grief in similar circumstances. I pray I shall never have to stand in his shoes. (Here comes the personal part-no apologies.) But there are moments when I look across the room - amid the daily ordinaries of life - and see the person I call my wife and friend and companion. And I understand why Charles Boyer did what he did. It really is possible to love someone that much. I know. I'm certain of it."

I don't know who Charles Boyer was.

I don't necessarily understand Robert Fulghum's world or life(He's 70 years old this year).

But...

I understand why Charles Boyer did what he did. It really is possible to love someone that much. I know. I'm certain of it.

Thank you for being my friend and companion. One day you'll be my wife too. Good night Bebe.