Last Saturday, I bought groceries with the intention of cooking all of my meals. I cooked one meal or two. They weren't anything to write home about. One night, I cooked a pizza on Betty's fancy pizza stone. I put all of the right ingredients on it and it came out like the sole of a shoe that had taken a trip through a garbage dump. I ate it just because I cooked it and I didn't want to throw the groceries away. One night, I cooked migas, a Mexican dish with tortilla crumbs and diced vegetables. I've made this dish before, but when Betty is home, it tastes wonderful. This time, it was no more than ok. I ate it because I was hungry, but it would have tasted better if I could have shared it with her.
I have tried hard to keep the dishes washed, my bed made, my clothes picked up, the trash taken out, the refrigerator stocked, and my laundry done. The kitchen for is swept, but it isn't clean. The dishes are washed, but they aren't put away. The bed is made but not without wrinkle. A couple of times, I've walked through the kitchen and noticed a foul odor. After a diligent search, I found a liquid onion and a rotten potato. Our home is so much more when Betty is here, not just because she does all of these things, but because when she is here the house has the wonderful aroma of her essential oils.
My office is in our family room, which is just off of the kitchen. At times, I have complained about the noise of the washer, the dryer or the kitchen appliances when I was trying to concentrate on a work task or the conversation on the phone. This week, the quiet has been deafening. I find it harder to concentrate with the quiet than with the trivial noises of working at home.
More than anything else, I have missed my conversation partner. I missed having someone to bounce an idea off of. I've missed having someone to listen to me when I vent and express frustration. I have ached to have someone share my little victories when I have worked through a difficult problem or have found a creative approach to an old task.
I have thoroughly enjoyed our phone conversations each morning and each evening before I retire. I get the latest news about Aubrey and Chloe and Brenda and Tim. We talk about our challenges and how we've done. We share ideas and encouragement. As much as I enjoy them, it's not the same as watching her eyes twinkle or the corner of her mouth turn up as something pleases her.
Betty and I agree that she is where she needs to be. Meanwhile, I am learning to cook, clean and do laundry, but more than anything, I am learning to love my sweetheart more each day.
6 comments:
If this was facebook I would "like" it and tell you that you are sweet and that I cried when I read it. Thank you for your love through the miles.
Thank you, Jeanette.
I feel for you. I know what it feels like I miss my sweetheart. I am thankful for the love you have for your sweet wife. Some hard things make us see the joy when hard things are past. I love you.
Thank you for sharing this. A wonderful reminder of what true love is and what marriage through the years bring us to. I hope that Aubrey improves in health. My prayers continue to go out for her. Big hugs to you and Aunt Betty both! Hang in there! And while there's no "like" button on here (like on facebook), if you don't mine, I would like to post this on my facebook! I love it and I think more young folks need to hear what true love is about. Love to you both!
Teri, you have my permission. We love you and your family as well. It is so nice to have a connection even if it's a cyber connection, the feelings are real.
Once my mother told me, "absence makes the heart grow fonder!" How true. It is great that you sacrifice for Aubrey and her family. May relief come soon for all. Have a good Thanksgiving. love ya all.
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