We recently watched The Princess Bride with our family. We have been repeating lines from this great movie for years and the grandkids had no idea what we were talking about. The story is being told by a grandfather to his grandson.


It is a great love story that benefits from timeless humor. Wesley is a farm hand who falls in love with Buttercup, a beauty who is well out of his social class. Whatever she asks of him, his reply is “As you wish”. We later discover that response means “I love you.”  Wesley must leave in search of his destiny and promises Buttercup “Hear this now, I will always come for you.” Wesley is thought to be dead and Buttercup is to be wed to evil Prince Humperdinck. When Wesley finally finds Buttercup he asks “why didn’t you wait for me?” Buttercup replies, “well…. you were dead.” To which he replies, “death cannot stop true love.  All it can do is delay it for a while.”

There are so many other great characters. Wesley returns as the man in black who has earned a reputation as the black Pirate. Inigo Montoya, whose life goal is to find the six fingered person who killed his father. Vizzini, and his crew kidnaped Buttercup and intended to ransom her. His rudeness, arrogance, and ego are justly rewarded in his self poisoned demise as he continues to say “inconceivable” as his plans go awry.  You must see Miracle Max, played ingeniously by Billy Crystal who brings Wesley back to life after he is tortured on the rack. Max agrees to help mostly because it will harm Humperdinck who is hated by all. This Humperdinck guys lives today in the form of a great orange wanker who thinks he should be a King!

So to the point of this note. On the 18th of September, Karen and I celebrated our 52nd anniversary.  In the movie the wedding ceremony is performed by the Impressive Clergyman, his full regalia concealed his inability to speak clearly. “Mawage is wot bwings us together today. Mawage, that blessed awangement, that dweam wifin a dweam. And wuv, tru luv, will fowow you foweva. So tweasure your wuv.”  https://youtu.be/3odMTPuzLwY We are often asked, what is the secret to staying happily together for all those years; a sense of humor, listening, and always responding with the key phrase—“as you wish.”

Here’s hoping you live a charmed life and take time recognize and thank those who make a difference for you and your community.  Save our democracy.   Mike