This past weekend my partner and I went to spend a romantic and restful weekend in Banff, Alberta. It was a fabulous weekend of eating, strolling around the town, seeing sights, shopping and relaxing in the hot tub. As we drove home we discussed the merits of taking this short period of time away to reconnect. We committed to making an effort to escape the noise of everyday life on a more regular basis.
 In my previous life, this sort of agreement was impossible. My former wife and I didn't have the same sense of understanding about the importance of making the relationship a priority above all else- if only for 48 hours. She felt that since we became parents, all of our focus and time must be for the development of our children. I felt and still feel that a few hours every couple of months will do no harm to the kids and go a long way towards prolonging the life of our relationship. This wasn't the only reason our relationship ended but in a way, it was indicative of the overall differences we had.
I am lucky to have found a partner who shares my need to make time for "us". I am lucky to have her. I tell her this often and I hope she hears it. I am not sure how common making a connection as good as ours happens but I feel blessed. I know that going forward, I can count on her to make time for me when its needed. I try not to be demanding. I also need her to be dedicated to the other people in her life. I only ask for balance, for her, for me, for our children and families and for our friends. We did a good thing this weekend! We celebrated us and that deserves celebration. Our relationship is the foundation for all that is good in my life. I will continue to guard it, nurture it, and celebrate it with as much energy as I can give it.
My wish for mankind is that more people take this approach to their own relationships and see the value in what they have. After all, when something good comes into your life,you should take time regularly to acknowledge that and never take for granted that it will remain good for you without any effort on your part.
Now go in piece grasshoppers!