A man named Henry lay on his deathbed and finally asked his wife, Martha, the question that had haunted him: had she ever been unfaithful during their 50 years of marriage? Martha hesitated, then admitted she had—three times—but insisted each time had been for a “good reason.” Hurt but curious, Henry asked her to explain.

Martha told him the first time was early in their marriage when they were about to lose their home. She visited the banker, and the very next day their loan was extended. Henry, remembering that moment, forgave her because she had saved their house. He then asked about the second time.

She reminded him of when he needed heart surgery but they couldn’t afford it. She confessed she had visited his doctor one night, and afterward the doctor performed the surgery for free. Henry, moved, again forgave her because she had saved his life.

Finally, Henry asked about the third time. Martha calmly said, “Do you remember when you ran for president of your golf club—and you needed 73 more votes?”