“A man has only one escape from his old self: to see a different self – in the mirror of some woman’s eyes.” ~ Clare Boothe Luce
It often amazes me why anyone would particularly love a guy like me. I’m just glad there’s one who does.
The first time we ever spoke of a relationship between us, I asked Dana a simple question. “What do you want?” I asked, in a critical moment of transparency.
“I want to take care of you, and I want you to protect me,” she said, with an answer that oversimplified anything I ever expected.
And so our lives began together with that simple foundation.
I’m not one of those dashing GQ cover guys with a sculpted body and perfect hair. Stimulating social conversation has never been my particular forte’. And the older I grow, the more set I become in my quirky ways.
But she loves me. It’s a thing I never doubt. And it’s an amazing thing to know as perfect truth. Why she does, I’ll surely never know.
Dana’s unconditional love gives me a freedom I’ve never known. Permission to be free, imperfect and to pursue the most outrageous of things (what we call laughable dreams). It’s an uncomplicated life, and makes things much easier than they otherwise could be.
If I take four hours out of the weekend to play a round of golf with my buddies, it’s okay. There will be no passive-aggressive silent-treatment-type stuff when I return home.
If I hole up in an office for an entire weekend to write without distraction, it’s okay. She understands I had to get it out of my system.
A few months back while traveling several days on business, I returned home only to find she’d taken a spare bedroom in our home and turned it into a “man room,” especially for me.
When she throws her leg across me in the bed at night, it’s a subtle reminder that she just wants to be close, and it causes me to smile, even at 3 a.m.
I’ve been known to give her presents that were things I really wanted. She never says a word – just comes along for the ride.
Four years ago, I pursued a business dream, invested everything we had, and ended up flat broke. It was a laughable dream that laughed right back at me. For a time, I gave up on everything. She never flinched.
She calls me babe, sweetheart, darling … I often wonder how anyone could think of me in that way.
She’s never given me an ultimatum, quid-pro-quo, or a single demand I can recall.
She calls my mom most every day, just to talk and express her thoughtfulness.
She’ll text me later today and tell me she loves me. I can count on that.
How did I get so lucky?
Why she loves me, I’ll surely never know. I’m just glad she does.
Lord, help me do my part, and help me take care of her well.
-30-
MyWindow2theWorld
I Love you and you are a great man. Keep on being free, because, “every man dies, not every man really lives.”
Terry
and this….is what life is all about. This one thing….when you find it, never let it go. Nothing can come close to replacing it. It’s so nice to be reminded that it’s still out there. God bless you both.
stevenwwatkins
Amen.
Robin Gilbert Luftig
You’re a very blessed man … but I can see that you already know that.
stevenwwatkins
I surely do.
Tony Carbon
In all the things in my life that turned to crap in the last year. I can truly say my wife has been my rock. I couldn’t have read a more touching more timely post right now. Thank you for keeping what matters most in this world in perspective. i’m blessed as I see you are too.
stevenwwatkins
Yes, sir. I surely am.
MyWindow2theWorld
going through old email, and saw this….always one of my favs.
Keep on Keepin’ on my love. The best is yet to come!