Some readers were unhappy with the way the tale of Bill and Andrea ended. They're the schoolmates who reconnected, fell in love and then broke up because of the 1,000 miles between them.
Bill is back to explain ...
He says: "We're middle-aged adults, no longer kids who can pick up and move without consequences. One must be practical. We have established careers and decent paying jobs. This makes us middle-class, but not wealthy enough to make a long distance marriage work. One of us would have had to move.
"I did begin to apply for positions near Andrea last fall. But at the same time, she wasn't sure she wanted to stay in Denver and after two divorces, she wasn't sure she'd ever want to marry again.
"In June, she wrote me a very beautiful letter that broke my heart and basically ended our relationship. Here it is:
"'I have been thinking non?stop about us and our situation. I know — and maybe we both have known for a while -? that we will never live in the same city. I've only become brave enough to say it straight out now, because I know what the implications of making this statement mean. But here goes.
"'You belong in New Orleans. You love the city, the vibe, the people, your job, your house. Although you've expressed the willingness to move, I can't ever see you doing that, and I really don't want you to. You wouldn't be happy. And I know I can't live in New Orleans. It doesn't feel right to me.
"'There are so many other important things that separate us. You still have the dream of marriage, raising a child. And you should! Both are beautiful experiences, but you know my conflicted feelings about marriage, and I'm definitely getting old to be raising a child. I remember a time when we were first getting together. I half?seriously suggested that you consider finding a 30?something New Orleans girl to marry and give you babies. Maybe that's still your best answer.
"'I love you, Bill, but we need to acknowledge that we've reached this wall, and we're not getting over it or around it. I guess the two plus months of our current separation has given me the ability to look at this with greater clarity, although incredible sadness.
"'If you want to write, I'd love to read what you have to say. If you want to talk, call me. If you don't, I understand. Love, Andrea'
"I responded:
"I will always think about you. I will always love you. I'm so glad we threw caution to the wind and allowed fortune to smile on us ever so briefly. And so, with a broken heart and many tears, I will disappear feeling very lucky. You're the sweetest lady. I wish you only the best. I pray for you to find the strength and wisdom to figure things out. Someday, I hope I will feel your warmth and joy again. I will always reserve a place in my heart for you. With much sadness, Bill.
"We told each other we would remain in touch. And we've tried to continue to write, but it's painful for both of us. Our emails are short and corporate-sounding. Eventually, we'll stop writing."
Why didn't your love story have a happy ending? Send your tale, along with your questions, problems and rants to cheryllavinrapp@gmail.com. And check out my ebooks, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front" and "I'll Call You. Not."
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