Glory,
Today we celebrate the day the magi brought gifts to our Lord. We Catholics call it the Epiphany. And yes, I do realize I’m not being subtle.
You must stop. Levi must stop.
There are complexities to this situation to which you are not giving sufficient thought. I don’t know if it is because you are young or a blithe spirit or simply a girl caught in a rough spot. The reason doesn’t matter as much as the actions you take from here on in.
Think about it this way—our actions speak truths our words cannot. So whatever you decide to do next is telling the world what you think of your husband. It doesn’t matter that Robert’s not there to see it. You’ll know, and Levi will know where you stand.
So you need to figure out exactly how you really feel.
It is clear to me that your husband loves you very much. If he is discussing the possibility of another man taking his place, then he is a man who feels death is imminent. There could be no other reason. It must be very, very bad overseas, possibly worse than we are led to believe, or worse than our imaginations will let us construct.
So you must honor Robert’s sacrifice by making one of your own. Levi will accept this, as your friend, as Robert’s friend.
Glory, if you intend to speak before sensible women and expect to give power to your words, you must be as free of moral ambiguity as you can. I’m not a big believer in fire and brimstone, but I do think a certain purity of heart and intention is necessary when we expect to be heard. We often realize too late that passion only lasts when it is married to truth.
Now before you say I should go find a ladder to climb onto my high horse, let me state this—I do understand. I haven’t been intimate with anyone but Sal since our wedding, but that’s not to say there haven’t been offers, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t considered those offers. Sal spent the past ten years of his life standing in front of coeds, and he is still an attractive man. I’m certain he’s been tempted as well. But for a marriage to work you both need the ability to see all the possible outcomes of a moment’s weakness. Most of them are less than satisfying. And none of them end with “happily ever after.”
I’m certain Mrs. Moldenhauer would say the same should you ask her. Have you spoken to her about this? To Marie? There are times in a woman’s life where she requires a veritable Greek chorus of women’s voices to keep her on track. Even if one of them is shouting from Iowa City.
Which brings me to my next topic—Roylene. I believe your postscript sprang from both your generous spirit and a need to connect with a gal at a similar stage in life. You can help Roylene. Be her friend. Write to her, hon. Even if she doesn’t respond, it’ll do your heart good.
Rita