I can't remember which program it was that I watched as a
kid, where they tried to explain this abstract concept called "love".
It was probably Mr. Rogers or Sesame
Street , since my mom didn't really allow us to
watch anything else, and there weren't that many channels anyway. And I think
they were trying to explain not only what love was, but how you would know when
you were in love. They explained that you would know you were in love, when you
found that special someone, whose welfare, well-being and happiness were as or
perhaps even more important than your own. Interestingly, the ancient rabbis of
the Talmud reflect this idea too. They ask what commandment one fulfills in the
act of marriage, in being married. They answer very simply, the commandment to
love your fellow as yourself. If you think about it, a loving marriage is
almost the only relationship where you can really observe that commandment to
its fullest.
Now, what that children's show in the mid-seventies and the
ancient rabbis leave out, and Sara and Eric (aka Berko) show through their love
story is that there is one more tremendously important component to true love
and a lasting relationship. What component is that, you might ask. Timing. It's
all about timing.
You see, when you examine Sara and Berko's relationship,
specifically from that first Spurs game they watched together, years of
friendship in both Durham and NYC, separation when Sara moved to Dallas, and
finally their reconnection at that Halloween party where Sara showed up in a
full bald eagle costume, you see that this couple were always great friends,
always had a unique relationship. You could argue that their closeness and
feelings for each other matched the rabbinic definition we just discussed.
However, there was one thing missing; it just wasn't the right time. And when
it was, everything just fell into place. Isn't that extraordinary?
Now, you may ask, how do we know when it IS the right time?
Well, we don't always. In a sense it might even be a tautology sometimes.
However, that should be no cause to dismiss this very important idea that these
two lovers teach us.
Sara and Eric, thank you for this really cool lesson. May
you continue to share the deep love you share today, in every place and every
time, life's journey may take you.