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CJB, you have a marriage that is truly special. You must be a special person, too. Why else would your wife love you so much?
I think that in *any* marriage, any time one spouse feels like he/she is *sacrificing*, the marriage is in serious trouble. The perception of sacrifice depends on a person's values, goals and flexibility.
I've made decisions that have precluded other options, but I don't feel like I sacrificed anything. I made my decisions according to my most ardent desire. Whatever I might have "passed up" is not relevant. Like the old saying goes, life is what happens while you're making other plans.
I've also come to realize how important it is to be flexible. It's crucial as a person ages.
My deaf grandfather was married to my hearing grandmother for over 65 years (I lose track of the exact number of years at her death). When my grandmother became incapacitated from Alzheimer, my grandfather walked to the care facility every day to feed my grandmother even though she didn't know who he was. He was an inspiration to me showing me what is possible with commitment and devotion. They aren't enough people like my grandfather in the world. I have no doubt that my grandmother would have done the same for him if the situation had been turned around.
True love is more precious than anything else in this world. Those who find it are truly blessed.
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