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This love story is written as a memoir. The author describes his relationship with his wife of over sixty years and honors her with tender memories. Readers in long-term relationships may find themselves using the Waddells as helpful role models. In describing their years together, Waddell gives his wife credit for most of their successes. His tone is humble, and his tribute to his wife is gracious and sincere. But sometimes the book doesn't seem to need words to describe the feelings. For example, respect is shown but not listed in individual lines. Instead, Waddell shines a glowing light on Linda in every chapter. His deep respect for her is obvious, and readers will take note.
Every couple shares sunsets or a song, but perhaps the most masterful thing about this book is Waddell's ability to write his memories in such graphic detail. "We grew to love gazing out on those sharp edges descending to the sea and those fog banks slowly lifting in the morning."
The memoir is descriptive and never pedantic, but it also makes way for humor, preventing mawkishness. He describes a trip the whole family took together. He printed a saying, "Hilaritas Vitae Superare Hereditas," and goes on to write, "which I believed to be Latin for 'having fun in life is more important than an inheritance.' Latin scholars may tell me it translates to 'eat a jelly donut,' but you get the idea."
The author shares numerous pearls of wisdom that keep readers paying attention and rereading some lines, for full effect. One gem is, "Talent is being supportive of someone who doesn't think they need it." For a potentially happier partnership, readers can draw inspiration from Waddell's broad example, as described in his autobiographical love story.