he loved me anyway

He loved me anyway -  he could make me laugh even when I didn’t want to

He could make me cry and then kiss me

He had song lyrics for every silly romantic time – often at the moment when I was most angry – or bent out of shape over something stupid  - he loved me anyway

He loved me even when I made him mad – even when I said things that were hurtful -  he loved me anyway

He was silly and playful – he was the planner – he was the money manager – even tho we always talked about all of it – he had a head for it all – but I taught him to try new things- like dressing on his salad – and fish – and lamb shish-ka-bobs  - to take risks to be a bit more carefree and  impulsive and childlike and he loved me anyway

No matter what idiotic or outlandish idea I had – he loved me anyway

He supported me no matter what I wanted to do – he loved me anyway

Even if it meant disruption for him – he loved me anyway

He saved all of his allowance to buy me presents – because  he loved me anyway

He was the romantic and sentimental – because he loved me anyway 

He wanted to die first because he knew I would be ok – he loved me anyway

He went to the doctor because I said so – because he loved me anyway

He turned down a promotion because it would not be good for us – even tho it would be good for him – because he loved me anyway

He followed his dream – because he knew I supported him – he loved me anyway

He took care of me without being a helicopter husband – because he loved me anyway

He gave me my space  - because he loved me anyway

He put up with my nights at meetings or visiting the sick because he loved me anyway

In spite of our differences, and there were many, he loved me anyway

I loved him as best I knew how – was it good enough? I hope so -but regardless -he loved me anyway

He was my white knight in shining armor – because he loved me anyway

He loved me more than I loved myself

He would surprise me with little gifts – a toaster cover, really? Because he loved me anyway

We were  a couple longer than either of us had been single – because he loved me anyway

We sometimes fought like cats on crack – but he loved me anyway

Even when he probably didn't like me very much - he loved me anyway

 He loved me no matter what – and now he is gone – and there is no one to love me like that -  not any way  - not every way - not anymore – not anyway.

(photo taken at Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa, September 2016