CATHERINE CARLISI
During the recent Academy Award presentations, many recipients expressed love for their spouses as part of their acceptance speeches. But when Tom Hanks told of his love for his wife, both she and the audience were profoundly moved and many eyes filled with tears. How did his words, so often expressed by others throughout the long evening, elicit such a deep response in the weary listeners? Tom didn’t merely say “I love my wife.” Through his voice, he opened a window into his soul and conveyed his deep sense of gratitude, reverence and joy in their union. We responded because Tom touched in us a yearning we all have to be known by another and loved for who we are.