I think Miss Emily had it right!

Under the elm tree, autumn leaves swirling, that's where it happened. Ashley Longworth kissed Miss Emily and a lifetime of love and relationship began. He was all she ever hoped for, she adored him for time and eternity. There was no other. It was a perfect romance! Except for that pesky flesh and blood thing.

Miss Emily was one of the little spinster ladies on The Waltons whose life revolved around making "Papa's recipe" and memories of her lost love, Ashley Longworth. He was based in reality and built on fantasy. No man could ever measure up to the creation he became in her mind and heart. And she was content, happy even, with her love. Eventually the pain of loss gave way to the joy of the memories - and the fantasy. The occasional dip into sadness was no worse than the sorrow of an argument with a real man. And in her fantasy, that never happened. So all-in-all, it was a satisfying "relationship".

She never dated, never had to worry about impressing anyone, never had to concern herself with moral failure, Ashley never aged, never was sick, never disappointed her, always loved her, was always an adoring suitor, an ardent lover. It made me sad when his grandson showed up and revealed that he had passed away for until that moment, he was immortal. Then she had the sorrow of death. But still, even knowing he was physically dead, he had lived only in her heart and mind for so long that she was able to continue her romance with him.

I always wondered how she could do it. She'd get that far-away look in her eye, her gentle face would go even softer, and you knew - she was with Ashley. I always wondered why too. Why didn't she find another love, have a life? I understand a little better now.

Yeah, I think Miss Emily had it right!