Do we ever really know the ones we love?

I have been enamored of my bride Flame for 45 years. She has been my best friend for all of that period. We have been married for 36 of those years. I would have bet my John Wayne collection of movies and memorabilia, that I knew her cold. I would have bet we could appear on the old TV show, " The Marriage Game" and won the thing hands down. Duh......

She has always been shy, very reserved and a little standoffish until she knows someone really well and they have earned her trust and friendship. She doesn't write letters or thank you notes and hates to have her picture taken. When we do have family get-togethers and someone has a camera, she ducks, bobs and weaves to avoid the lens and any record of her presence. For her to sit still and smile while you take her picture, rates you as one of the truly blessed. So Greybeard, thank you for that shot of Flame and sent us. It was wonderful. That is Flame at her finest.

Recently, Greybeard and I were able to soar into the world of tricks, wires, mirrors, magic, smoke and science and have elevated our IM to sight and sound. What a wonderful invention is the web, IMs, and Computers. I am awestruck. We added MommaNurse and hope to add more soon. I found that my bride, absolutely will not get on the computer or even come into the room if I have the camera on. Weird, it blows my feeble little mind. I asked her about it and she can't really articulate her reticence, but is certainly adamant about not being caught on camera.

I purchased the cameras to send to each of my sons, and I hope to be able to talk to my granddaughter, live and in action soon. I asked Flame if that would make a difference and would she go on camera for that. She's not sure, but probably not.

I guess I'm just getting old or something. I mean 45 years and I wasn't even aware. Shame on me.