Looking for advice on how to stay together? A wise old owl speaks in verse this morning:

It takes two, of course, since either one

is free to leave at any time.

But if both are strong and firm to come

and work together, you may find

problems can be solved.  Sit side-by-side

and face the issue–not your mate.

Listen, learn, respect, rephrase, repeat

before you even start to speak.  

If the conflict is not solved, you still

have both shown that you have the will,

faith, and hope to stay together.  Love

will not come floating from above:

love is built by kindnesses and care–

hard work can save you from despair.

– Steve Shoemaker, host of Keepin’ the Faith with Steve Shoemaker on WILL, Urbana, Illinois, celebrating 47 years of marriage to Nadja.