Richard Cooper's 1st Letter to Lillian

Dearest Lillian,

I know that you are not like other women. I know that there are may things about you that I do not understand. I know that you are so much wiser than I am. But, if you wish it, I will learn to understand all of it. I swear to you I will not think any less of you -- how could I?

But, if you do not want to speak of things, I am content. I am happy to support your charity work with the new clinic and the foundation you are setting up. I want to travel with you wherever you wish to go and count myself blessed to have a wife wiser than I am and more compassionate. I know that I am a selfish man, for only one thing could make me care about Mexico City, and that is that it hurt you, Lillian. I do not know how, but if you wish it, I will go there and punish anyone who caused you eve a moment of grief. If you do not wish this, if in your compassion for humanity, you wish only to forgive and to forget, then remember only this -- nothing that happened to you there changes how I feel about you. Nothing ever will.

I want so badly to shield you, Lillian, even if I do not know from what. If I cannot do that, then I want to walk beside you as your husband into whatever perils you choose to face as you work tirelessly to help others. I want to learn to work beside you and to become worthy of you. I pray that you will give me that chance.

I remain always yours,

Richard