The following “letter” is part of the continuing series from the unpublished novel by James Garrett, “Benicia Letters Once More”. He does not plan to publish the book but instead is choosing to share the letters with the readers of the Benicia Herald. The letters continue the storyline of Garrett’s first novel “Benicia and Letters of Love”. Each “letter” tells of love in one of its many forms from a separate point of view. Benicia is represented prominently in the letters because of Garrett’s deep fondness for the city of Benicia. He hopes readers see themselves or others they know in the letters because the concept of “Love” is universal.

Hey Jim,
It’s good to get the chance to share. Thanks for the opportunity.
I think I’m a very much “male” male with all that comes with that including the plumbing. I can’t tell my name or the name of my lady without possibly having something come back to hurt her if you decide to print this. I could handle any of that but I love her so I wouldn’t take any chance of hurting her in any way.
I’ve heard so many guys talk about having sex and how macho they are and all of the descriptions that go with it. I feel sorry for them.
I like sex as much as anyone else, but it is more than the sex. I’ve had sex indoors and out and at any time of the day or night. There is obviously passion involved. If there wasn’t, it would all just be a job. Holding my lady is what it’s really all about. It is also the time snuggled between the sheets and falling asleep together.
There are, in my opinion, having sex, fxxxxxx, and making love. Each is different. Part of having sex is to keep the plumbing clear and settle the mind. Fxxxxxx is partly just passing the time. Making love is a joyous experience because it is love. It’s not just “slam, bam, thank you ma’am” like I’ve heard a number of guys say.
Any guy who marries some woman because he wants to “bang her lights out” is in for some strange mornings and a short marriage if there is no love involved. I’ve lived and loved in Benicia for decades. I’ve seen marriage after marriage fail and some, like ours, which last and last and will continue to last. The lasting is because of love.
My lady and I argue, but never once has it been about sex, money, relatives, or politics. She gets under my hide on some things and I do the same with her. That is part of love. Another part of that love is in making up while being honest. “Don’t do that again. You know it sets me off”, is something I’ve said in my foolishness. My lady didn’t do it, whatever “it” was on purpose. Somehow I didn’t understand or took it wrong. Sometimes it took longer than others, but we made up. That’s all part of love, not just sex.
(Unsigned)

James Garrett is a lifelong resident of Benicia and a former teacher at Benicia High School. He is the author of the following novels: “Benicia and Letters of Love,” “The Mansion Stories,” “Chief Salt,” and “One Great Season, 9-0!” He also compiled a three-volume work titled “The Golden Era: Benicia High School Football, The 1948 through 1960 Seasons, “A” History with Comments.”
He can be contacted at jgstoriesnpoetry@aol.com.

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