The Blogs: How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways (with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee with the passion of a poet when I tell you, “We’re not going to fly to see the grandchildren until we’re both vaccinated.”

I love thee with the brain of a scientist when I buy you multiple N-95 masks even though others wear simple red bandanas.

I love thee with the heart of a mother, when I say, “Honey, don’t forget to wear your mask in public even if other go maskless.”

I love thee with the ears of a pulmonologist as I listen to your coughs or sneezes and then ask, “How are you feeling?”

I love thee from the heart of our bed as I listen to your snores and breathe a sigh of relief as your healthy lungs play music to my ears.

I love thee enough to always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer as we venture into the wilderness.

I love thee enough to command, “Buddy that’s close enough!” if someone breaches your six foot circumference.

Now that I have counted the ways, you know, “I love thee with all the breath, smiles and tears of all my life.”