“I am so glad you and Maria found each other. What a huge bonus at old age. I love your photos of her. Somehow your love for her comes through in the way the photos make her look so beguiling.” – Blayney Claymore.

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I appreciate this message from my online friend Blayne, a minister. He has a gift for being affirming and caring, and he understands the power of love.

I’m afraid I have to disagree with him about one thing, though, my love for Maria has little to do with my age. I think Maria would be a bonus for any man or woman.

My problem was that I absorbed the very toxic idea that love like this was only for younger people. I was wrong about that, and once I opened it, I found it.

My lesson was never to give up on love.

She is generous, loving, and full of creative, joyous, and compassionate energy. Every minute, she thinks of things she can do for me, her friends, and the people we know. She has a good word for everyone, from bank tellers to

I came downstairs this morning and couldn’t find Maria. I called out to her, and there was no answer. In a minute, she popped up in the window; she decided to wash and clean the storm windows, which hadn’t been cleaned in years.

I suggested we call someone to do that for us, but she thought that was silly; she enjoyed doing outside work as long as it didn’t interfere with her art.

Her love and generosity are infectious, helping me be younger and not older.  And she actually thinks I’m handsome, even sexy. In that sense, Blaney is right. I wish everyone could experience love like this, and it has undoubtedly infected my photography, which doesn’t and can’t lie.