As a teenager, my ideas of true love were straight from the latest romance novel. I used to sit around with my friends and we would dream together about the men we would marry. We would talk about how romantic those men would be. I knew for certain that my future husband would sit in the glow of the firelight and read poetry to me. I knew he would always select the most perfect and thoughtful gifts for every special occasion, delivering them with a gallant kiss. I knew that he would for-go watching his favorite sports program to come with me to the ballet, so he could spend time with his one and only love. He would truly be my knight in shining armor.Fortunately, by the time I was old enough to chose a husband, these ideas had been replaced by ideas much more practical. Out of luck, some clear thinking, and the blessings of God, I found Michael, my knight in slimy rubber gloves.
Late the other night Jeffrey started screaming and choking from the other room. I knew right away he was throwing up. I HATE throw-up! I can't stomach it. Mike knows this about me. He was up and out of his easy chair, taking over in his calm, efficient, and noncomplianing way. He was quickly scrubbing down little boys (turns out Jeffrey threw up in Jonathan's hair), stripping sheets off the bed, starting a load of laundry, and steam cleaning the carpet. All I had to do was cuddle the sick child on the couch.
Now that I am older and somewhat wiser, I know better what true love and romance really look like. No, Mike would never choose the ballet over the Cougar game and I can't remember the last book he read at all, let alone to me, but I wouldn't trade him for all the Casanova's in the world. In my opinion, mopping the floor every Wednesday after his late game of basketball, working hard with me to clean the house because he knows I like it presentable when friends come over for scrapbook night and then right after, leaving to take 6 rowdy boys to scout camp, or being the kind of person you can trust like God above, beats rose petals and candlelight any day of the week.
The Knight with his damsel, who is very often in distress
On his valient steed (rented)
Looking very gallant and "knight" like!
11 comments:
Mike is going to make the rest of the husbands look bad- moping floors, cleaning up throw-up, cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, etc. , etc. Stan called me up just the other day when I was out of town to ask me how to use our "new" front loader washing machine of 9 months. I said "are you kidding, you mean to tell me you have never turned on the washing machine since we got?" Well I guess everyone has their unique talents. Sometimes I feel like Stan when it comes to computer stuff. Great tribute to Mike.
I must say that I am very impressed with your handsome prince. I've known him for a very long time and I would agree with every good thing you said about him and I could add several of my own. Michael, you're great and I love you, too! But I have to tell you that I had never seen the last picture of you with the pumpkins and I didn't recognize you and I always recognize you! Pretty hilarious!
I bought a Maytag dryer today. Maybe dreams never leave, or maybe it was the best darn deal in town! Still, our stories crossed my mind so when I read the first of your post I had to smile! Thanks for sharing...and you're lucky I quit Fred Meyer so I lost my discount!
Here's something to add to your list about Mike: He gives really good neckrubs. Oh wait, no, they're terribly painful. Lets see...he's totally humble on the basketball court. Except last time we played he said something like "maybe I should tie both hands behind my back so that you guys have a chance." Wow, I could go on and on. ;)
But I'm glad Mike cleans up puke. I don't much care for the stuff, myself. And in Jonathon's hair?!? Poor innocent bystander (bysleeper?).
Mike, you are a champ! I'm really glad you found him too Jill...b/c I kind-of like you.
stellar post.
mike is totally the bomb.com. always thought so...
Mike must really be in love with you if you got him to wear a cable sweater.
What a sweet post to your husband! Yep, that truly is real love. Thanks so much for sharing!
No wonder they put him in the bishopric. He is amazing! P.S. Don't let him read this.
I have to agree, husbands who clean up puke, poop, scrub toilets, mop floors (and in my case do most of the cooking) are much better than cheesecake in the rain any day! (wow, haven't thought about that in forever) Miss you!
Wow! You didn't marry the cheesecake man? Seriously, you are the best story-teller ever and I hope you write a novel around the cheesecake story one day! I love that story! Only you can tell it the right way, though.
I'm so glad that you married a wonderful man! I'm going to read more of your blog so that I can see all of your pictures!
Post a Comment