Whenever I see Eli with what I perceive to be a sullen face, I would persistently ask him what is wrong. I’ll hover around him like a paparazzi helicopter and ask him to please talk to me and tell me what is going on. He would tell me that everything is okay and that he is fine. He would put on a smile and give me a kiss. Of course I am not convinced, so I pester him again.

I am aware that this is not a healthy approach but I have not been able to help myself. When he tells me he is just tired, I think it is just an excuse to get me off his case. But his is the only case I care about! Fortunately he has been very patient, even in his most sullen state of mind.

But tonight, I had an epiphany. And I think I can finally stop being that annoying helicopter.

Eli appeared to be brooding over something while he did the dishes. I did my hovering. He assured me and sealed it with a kiss. I was not convinced. Back in the room, I shook him to please tell me what is going on! He said he is just really tired, physically mostly and somewhat mentally.

So I nestled in next to him and said nothing. The crane of Eli’s neck is like the mould fitted to secure my head, I love it there.

Then he spoke of the connection our hearts share and thanked me for being so supportive of him. And then he sang me this song, one I’ve never heard before:

Tonight turned out to be one of the best ‘down’ nights we’ve had in months. We listened to golden oldies (the likes of Engelbert Humperdinck, Julio Iglesias, Andy Williams), we twirled and danced around the room, and then, as I lay on his chest with his arms holding me tight, Eli said, “This is one of the best nights of my life. I’m just filled with joy.�

I guess a wise man like Eli knows that patience is a real virtue and everything has its time, including me learning how to be (silently) supportive of him when he isn’t feeling his best.