ah, romance, isn't it wonderful.
most of the time.
My husband, bless his heart, he tries.
Let me take you on a brief journey to the year 1989. The place is Germany. The couple, us on our 4 anniversary. Or 3rd. I think. My sweet husband, just a kid back then, comes home in his army uniform, excited because he bought me a gift. We really couldn't afford much, but he'd taken what he had to buy me a Hummel figurine. Or maybe a yard gnome. Yes, that's what it was, a yard gnome. Painted bright blue, green and red. And he wanted me to keep it in the china cabinet. It was years before I told him what it really was.
Two years later, still in Germany, I wanted a saphire ring. He bought me an emerald necklace. But he got a little extra gift for free. He brought it home, wrapped it up and stuck it under the tree. (he was so clueless) A week before Christmas he said I could open one gift early. Of course I picked the little box that I thought was the ring. My heart was beating in anticipation as I tore off the wrapping paper. To reveal a jar of wrinkle cream.
Warning to men: You don't give a 24 year old new mom WRINKLE CREAM for Christmas. If you do, be prepared to duck. Quick.
Fast forward 20 years to the phrase, "Honey, I have a surprise for you."
I get a little sick when I hear those words.
This time as we climbed into the car and headed down the road, I felt a little nervous. We weren't going in a direction that promised 'great surprises.' As we drove through small towns, then down country roads, I laughed because I had a feeling he was going to be as surprised as I was.
We passed a one room Amish school. The children were in the field playing baseball and basketball. They waved as we drove past. I was starting to get into the surprise because it had turned into an adventure: note the ability to switch gears and lower expectations. This skill is not provided on your wedding day, it comes with time and practice.
Finally we turned into a long driveway. We circled past a house and in front of a metal building that had the sign: Down the Lane General Store. Closed.
But there were people inside, so, being determined, we circled and sought the parking that was indicated. The only thing we found: HORSE AND BUGGY PARKING ONLY. Cars were directed to park in a small yard that was kind of a mud hole. A big truck was actually stuck in the 'parking lot.' They were putting chains on the tires and trying to dig it out. (if you guys are reading this...sorry my Saab couldn't pull you out)
The place was great. It was at the back of the 'general store.' Grab a bit to eat, a gallon of milk and fifty pounds of grain for your cow. Now that's 'one stop shopping.'
My favorite part of the cafe--the french fries. They were fresh cut and you ordered them by the potato. ie; one potato or two.
We had a blast.
Last night we went to see The Producers at the Landers Theater in Springfield. It was a great performance! But the greatest moment of the evening, A SURPRISE. (not mine)
As the lights dimmed, a young man came out on stage. He started to explain his relationship with his young girlfriend. On their first date they saw The Producers. Since then they've gotten to know one another, and they've fallen in love. He brought her up on stage, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Right there, on that historical stage, the orchestra in the pit behind them, ornately carved ceilings overhead and an audience!
Do you think he came up with that on his own?
I actually proposed to my husband. Sitting on the floor watching TV, I nudged him and said, "My aunt thinks we should get married." and he said, "OH, okay."
MOMENTS! Life is made of them, so create as many as you can. And cherish the ones that make you laugh; like surprises that backfire, yard gnomes and wrinkle cream.
Anyone want to share their 'great surprises?'
3 comments:
What a sweet post Brenda! :-) Too funny about the wrinkle cream. Snort!
My darling hubby was my first boyfriend. And for Christmas he got me some gifts. I didn't really know he would, so when he said he had something for me, I was pretty excited. :-) I sat on his bed and he reached beneath it and pulled out a box. It was super heavy and I had no clue, but my expectations were high.
Silly girl.
LOL I opened the wrapping paper and had no clue what I was looking at.
"They're weights," he said, reaching over and opening the box for me.
Um. Yeah.
Apparently my arms are on the skinny side! LOL
He's better now with presents. :-)
oh no, not weights!
But I totally understand about the high expectations. The wrinkle cream was in a box and it had the same outer box that a ring box might have, the kind the box slips into, open on two ends. Yep, I had it all figured out.
He did get me the saphire ring a few years back. He hid it in a box with tools and socks.
That story is adorable. After twenty eight years together, my husband still can't remember my birthday. He's close to the date, but never close enough. One thing I've learned, though, is that when husbands DO forget, they feel so guilty, you can go out and buy whatever you want! It's all a balance.
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