Happy Anniversary to us

I was married 20 years ago today. Leaving for our day's schedule at different times meant the husband and I didn't see each other until this evening. By then, he was in one of the outfits I won't allow him to wear in public. I'd sweated my makeup off, the hair was up in the traditional evening ponytail, and my feet were swollen. He'd worked today, brought his mother home from the hospital, put out everything for the yard sale we're having tomorrow and was staggering on his feet from fatigue. I was in the nearly mute stage of the transition from work to home. This was hardly the breeding ground for romance.

I didn't expect a present. My commissions have been less than anticipated lately. In fact, our marriage has been less than anticipated lately, and my husband has never been much a gift giver. My own personal tool set for Christmas was one of the best gifts I've ever received from him. The womanchild and I met him at his mother's house, and he told me to wait a minute. He taped a hydrangea blossom onto a small gold foil wrapped package, kissed me on the cheek and said, "Happy Anniversary."

The tape and the flower made the package difficult to open, but when I peeled back the paper, I saw a package of cigarettes. The foil had already been removed, and I opened it to find a small silk drawstring pouch. Inside it were a choker of freshwater pearls interspersed with silver and jade beads, a bracelet and a pair of dangling freshwater pearl earrings.

I adore pearls (they're my birthstone) and have wanted some freshwater pearls for a long time.

He hasn't given me jewelry since he gave me a wedding ring.

The man took my breath away. He brought tears to my eyes. I'll remember this for a long, long time.

What do you do when you're married to the most infuriating, frustrating, loving man on the planet? You love him back and thank God/dess for him and for every infuriated, frustrated, love soaked minute you've had with him.


marriage
anniversaries
pearls