Crazy Guy

I was just listening to the radio on the way over to my first writing retreat.  It’s a Sunday morning in Texas.  Blue skies, no one on the road because most people are still in bed.  On the radio I hear the Eli Young Band, a local Denton band that had a number one song a while ago, singing “Crazy Girl”.  The lyrics go:

Crazy girl, you know that I love you

I wouldn’t dream of going nowhere

Silly woman, come here let me hold you.

Have I told you lately?

I love you like crazy girl

This song just made me think about my husband, John.  We have been married for 29 years.  Our next anniversary will be the big 3 0.  I have kids in college right now, so sometimes my memories from way back then are brought back because of experiences that they are having that are similar.  This song took me back over the last 30 years with John.  People lately have been telling me how lucky I am to have such a nice husband, and I sooo agree.  He’s the best.  We have had our ups and downs over the years and our periods of time when things were just okay.  But both of us made a commitment when we were sealed in the temple that we were committed to this relationship for life and for eternity.  Because of that firm foundation and solid commitment, we have been able to weather many very difficult storms over the years; the death of a child, changing jobs, bad business decisions, loss of parents, health problems, moving,  etc.   I’m sure that we are not through with those types of challenges as we both probably have 25+ years to live on this earth (hopefully), but the knowledge that we have pulled through the difficulties that we have in the past just makes me more sure that we are going to make it no matter what. 

Listening to that song this morning, driving down the road on a beautiful Texas morning, made me cry.  Tears rolled down my face in appreciation of the life that I have.  No matter what happens in my current professional life, in our family relationships, or in the parts we play in the various aspects of our lives, I know that I have him and that he supports me 100%. 

People say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I have seen things in him the last 2 years since I started the doctoral program that I haven’t seen before.  He has gladly taken on many new things these last two years to help me out - to help out the family. He has begun to think about meals.  He goes to the grocery store and buys what he needs, thinks almost nightly about what to fix for dinner for himself and for our family, and often has something cooked and waiting for me when I get home from work.  Wow, what a role reversal!  I never asked him to do these things – he just saw a need and took it upon himself to fulfill that need.  He planted a garden this year.  He thought about what he wanted, bought the plants, put them in, watered them, weeded around them, cared for them, worried about them.  We’ve had many gardens over the years, but this is the first time he took on that role of gardener.  He also has taken on the job of trimming the roses and the bushes in the flower beds in the front of the house.  This is the man that, when we got married, said he would be happy if he never had grass or a yard, because he didn’t really want them.  Mowing and yard work were not a part of his vocabulary, yet this past year he has faithfully trimmed every few weeks, planted herbs,  and takes cuttings off the neighbors roses and trees to try to get them to take root! 

Where did this man come from?  I don’t recognize him, but I sure love him!  This last year I needed to work later in the afternoon and he gladly took on the role of chauffer Dad.  He faithfully picked Courtney up from school each day and took an interest in her and in her life.  I picked her up from Seminary in the morning and got her to school, and he took care of her until I got home, which has always been my job.  He realized there was a need and gladly filled in.  When I get overwhelmed with the work that I’m doing and am stressed out, he is always there with kind words of encouragement, making me feel like I can do anything.  I feel his support in all kinds of ways.  I feel that what I’m doing is of value, and that he believes in me totally.  He is always making positive comments about how people should hire me because I'm so this, and so that, . . . .

So this is just recognition to John.  I love you like crazy!  I wouldn’t dream of going nowhere.  Silly guy, come here let me hold you.  Have I told you lately? I love you like crazy!

How I Appreciate My Friends

Quitting teaching two years ago was a big step for me.  Entering the doctoral progrm at TWU has been quite the journey.  It's hard to remember how hard that first semester was, but I'm so excited to be done with my coursework.  This week I finish my very last class and begin studying for my qualifying exams this fall.  I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of those doctoral students and professors that have contributed to these challenging yet rewarding two years.  I couldn't have done it without all of their help.  John and the kids have also been great about understanding that there are times when I've got to do homework or write a paper.  They give me my space, make dinner for me, and pick up chores around the house so that I can focus on school.  I never would have been able to do it without them either.  I am hoping to slow down a little bit this fall because I've only got the independent study class designed to help me pass the qualifying exam.  I look forward to working with Dr. Briggs.  She's solid.  I've met so many wonderful students and been able to learn so much with them.  Many opportunities have been placed in my path, and I've enjoyed learning from each one of them.  It's not over, but I feel I am at least close to that first major hurdle.  I look forward to studying with Kathy, Jen, and Joli this fall.  We can do it ladies!