As of tomorrow, Abby and I will be married seven years. When I talk with people about marriage, I tell them that I recommend it, which I do. Part of being happily married is luck, but more important is your attitude, both about your daily interaction with your spouse, but also the serious commitment you made the day you took your vows. I can speak for Abby on this because we have discussed it many times: divorce is not only not an option, it is not a consideration. We both regard our marriage as immutable and, as we promised in our wedding vows on that beautiful day in October 2004, “…from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death.”

Being married is great for me. Abby is a complex woman, and we struggle sometimes to find the answers. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Another piece of good news: I just returned from an eye exam. Our optometrist, Kevin Cunningham, is a very smart man. Except for presbyopia (inability to focus close due to age–related hardening of the lens), he could find absolutely nothing wrong with my eyes or my vision. So next time you see me in public, I’ll see you first.

I don’t want this to sound at all like I am bragging or gloating about my vision. In fact, it’s one thing about myself about which I have always been glad and grateful.