Taking the Measure

Martin L. Keefe lives, loves, and loses. This is his story, told in hilarious fashion, chronicling his adventure-filled life from an early age until the death of his beloved wife, Anna.

Marriage, fatherhood, and the responsibilities that come with both were not always Martin's priorities. After a difficult childhood and the death of a friend, he graduates from college and lands a job at IBM. As a young bachelor, he studies languages, travels, forms friendships, dates women, and even performs comedy acts. Making mistakes along the way, Martin learns about a world that is much bigger than he ever imagined.

Then he meets her. Anna, an accomplished psychotherapist, who shares his love of European travel and studying languages. They get married and start their lives together in New York City's Greenwich Village. They adopt a daughter. Martin's heart is full.

When Anna is diagnosed with a terminal illness years later, Martin must learn how to let go and cherish the good times that remain. Through his struggle, he finds understanding. This book is his way of sharing that with the rest of the world.