I married a man that I loved, knowing that his health problems might only grant us a few years. He has in fact died several times and has been hospitalized many more, but we recently celebrated our 20th anniversary, and we still have fun. I must admit I know a whole bunch more about medical care than I ever wanted to learn, but it’s always good to learn new things.
OTOH, my mother has succumbed to dementia and my father has made the difficult decision this week to place her in a dementia unit. They have been married for almost 60 years, and it still isn’t enough time together.
Quite frankly, I would treasure every minute of the short time I might have with the right person, in favor of having many years with someone I like but do not love. And remember that from the moment we are born we begin to die. It just takes some of us much longer than others to accomplish it. May as well enjoy the ride, whether it is short or long.