During the time period covered, I lived for about 4 ½ years at least half the time in Spokane, away from Berta. We had married in 1994 and moved to Sandpoint in 1995. This was the first time we were so consistently apart for regular periods of time. The weekends were special to us, although, due to my burned out condition consisted mostly of resting. Sometimes we are visiting Berta’s family in other cities, which I enjoy greatly, filling a need that was unmet in my childhood. Berta’s family is very close and the get-togethers are fun. I am in touch with my mother in Germany and talk to her regularly and somewhat less to my brother and my nieces. My relationship with Berta has been going through a few difficult moments that we have resolved due to our respect, love and full support of each other and the understanding that we create our own world. We enjoy each others company a lot, hang out at home and read, watch movies or go together to a local concert, show or festivity or do something with friends. We often start dancing to whatever CD is in the player; we travel together and care for each other; we have fun together and we support each other’s dreams.