Sunday, November 01, 2015

Making Time for What Matters...

            Picture you upon my knee
            Just tea for two
            And two for tea.
            Just me for you
            And you for me...
            Alone, dear...
                
                                       -Irving Caesar from the 1925 Musical, No No Nanette

Fridays are our date night. They always have been and always will be. 

Friday, a week ago, Bert and I spent our "Date Night" at Urgent Care. At one point, between tests for his infection, I turned to him, held his hand and with a chuckle said, "Well, happy date night, honey!" He burst into a smile and some welcomed laughter and said, holding my hand, "Wherever I am with you on a Friday is a date night for me!"

We are like that, you know, a little mushy topped with lots of kisses and "love you sweethearts."

While we have been together more than thirty four years, and married thirty one, we do not take this marriage for granted.

Not now, not ever.

He is my beloved, and I am his beloved.

This Friday night, after finishing up a regiment of the largest antibiotic pills I have ever seen, we opted for a more charming  and exotic date night ritual.

Baskin and Robbins ice cream and a drive to see the fall leaves.

It just doesn't get any better than that!


And Saturday was full of living our moments to the fullest as well. Lunch at Lindaman's, with a table by the window, decorating for Halloween with lights and pumpkins and our Halloween "sound machine" that makes scary noises, but not so scary as to make the little ones cry.


Moments full of walking by and giving a "love you sweetheart!" kiss. Moments of seeing my beloved instead of just going past him.


Precious moments, fun moments, moments of

deep conversation and laughter.

Fantastic moments of putting on our Halloween head gear. I'm a bear and Bert's an alligator, and seeing the facial expressions of the trick-or treaters as they came to our door gave us pure delight!  


One little man said, "Hey Mister, do you know you have an alligator on your head?" and then all of the children broke out in giggles. 

As we closed the door I gave my alligator hubby a huge hug. We are more aware than ever that he might not have been here for this Halloween. 


We are determined more than ever to not let his stroke steal our joy!


We are more committed than ever to make time for what really matters.


Earlier in our marriage we used to go grocery shopping and play basketball getting the items into the cart. And if there was music by the meat department we were known to just start dancing, usually a swing step, right there. In front of whoever

happened to be there. Some folks starred, some laughed, some clapped to the beat. Almost everyone
was joyful because we were joyful!

So this enjoying every moment to the fullest isn't entirely new to us. Yet, it is sweeter than ever.


No matter what lies ahead, no matter how easy or hard it gets, I am holding on to my date's hand, and he is holding on to mine.


And what we know for sure is that because of that, and God's love and grace.....

                         All Shall Be Well!

God Bless!

Love, Linda












5 comments:

Vicky said...

Such truth! Words to live by... and so encouraging to know that you and Bert, have done just that. Dancing in the grocery store aisle? My favorite part of this whole post! Love to you, both!!

Jackie said...

Hi Linda!
No more date nights for you and Bert at Urgent Care!! That's an order! :)
Sending you both smiles and hugs...and smiling at the love that you two share.
Wonderful....
Absolutely.

Jackie said...

Saturday (Nov. 7)
Wanted to check back in with you and let you know that you and Bert are so much in my thoughts and always in my prayers.
I thank you for your prayers.
I feel much much better.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!
Love,
Jackie

Miss Myia said...

I can't believe it's been that long....wasn't it just yesterday that I was sitting in your speech 101 class? Wowzers....everything you described is SO you two...not always perfect but most definitely always loving! Love you! Myia

On a Wing and a Prayer said...

All I can say...because I am tired and going 100mph is this brought me smiles and joy to read...and a tinge of something I have not had...but my joy for you and your 'beloved' over- flows....just love Linda! love you and still praying for all...

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