I was raised in the era of Love Boat. Anyone else? Every week the luxury cruise ship set sail and, under the watchful eye of captain Stubing and his crafty crew, couples found love after some grandiose gesture. Sure, they shook it up each week. Sometimes the characters expressed their passion through an embarrassingly large gift or magnanimous sacrifice. Other times, characters confessed their flaws and committed to change for the mere chance at romance. Whatever the plotline, enduring love was achieved in 60 minutes in a posh setting with fireworks, roses, and diamonds. I’m not knocking rockets, bouquets, or gemstones—especially the fireworks. Who doesn’t like those heart pumping, stomach clenching moments when a relationship is fresh and untested? All you need is the declaration of undying love. Let’s be honest though, if that’s all there is, those couples won’t be around for a second cruise. Real love, the kind that takes your breath away, is forged in the messier moments of a life together that is more like a Jeep ride on the tundra than a cruise through the Mediterranean. When you have that, the most pedestrian moments will take your breath away.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
~ Maya Angelou~
I broke my wrist last week. If you read my blog, you know this isn’t my first injury. My MRIs are a map for a life well-lived. As I have spent 68% of my time on the planet thus far with my husband, he is no stranger to ice packs or Urgent Care waiting rooms. Though I may have hinted on social media that my broken wrist was a small price to pay for saving nuns from a pack of rabid coyotes, the truth is that my foot failed to clip out when I was stopping, and I put my arm out to break my fall. I have been kicking myself all week. I mean this may be the dumbest injury I have ever had (and I once got a ski frozen to my head, so that is saying something).
You know who hasn’t been kicking me all week? My husband. I realize he never has. Not once. He didn’t chastise me for not checking the hood latch on the flatbed that dropped on me while I checked the oil. He didn’t caution me about leaving a knife on the counter when one got knocked off and slit my leg open. He did what he always does. Then, as now, he took me to a doctor and made me laugh to get my mind off the pain and allay my fears. (Pro tip: If you’re bleeding and he’s not cracking you up, it’s serious.)
Love is choosing the greater good for the other person.
~Unknown~
That’s just the tip of the iceberg that sinks the Love Boat relationship model. I have had my share of gemstones and bouquets and perfect gifts. They were all amazing. I feel love much more deeply in the things that don’t cost a penny. Love isn’t diamonds. It’s not a dozen long stem reds. You can’t unwrap love.
Love is getting up at 4:00 AM to feed the dogs so your wife can go on a bike ride and then getting up at 4:00 AM to dry her hair when she breaks her wrist on a bike ride. Love is making her coffee just right, not because she couldn’t do it with one hand, but because it would take forever and be really frustrating. It’s putting out a step stool when she can’t pull herself into your truck with one hand. It’s loading the dogs and driving her to work because she insists on driving a stick. It’s finding the humor in the whole annoying situation—knowing when to tease and when to cajole and when to hug.
The most breath-taking, heart-pumping, stomach-clenching moments are not when a relationship is fresh and untested. They come in tiny moments, in the darkest hours. Even 38 years later, they come with patience, truth, and grace—and laughter. You know you love someone when you choose the greater good for them. You know you are loved when they choose the greater good for you. Bask in a simple cup of coffee made just as you like it, in the same way that you would bask in an engagement ring. Be grateful for the priceless acts that say you are treasured. And sure, take a cruise now and then but don’t think of it as a vacation to renew your love. Renew your love in the messy moments of life when it really counts.
What a good man! He’s 1/2 of a successful couple.
Truly is! Thanks for reading my blog.
What a wonderful love letter. And what a lovely way to thank him when you probably can’t do the little things you usually do to let him know you love him, while your wrist is broken. And typed with one hand…
Thanks, Gabi. He’s getting lots of one armed hugs.
Enjoyed your take on Love. So much truth and wisdom here. My husband and I have been married almost 25 years and have been through a lot. I especially like your phrase “like a Jeep ride on the tundra.”
Thank you, Betty! I’m glad you connected with it.
How very true! What a great post. I’ve had my share of accidents with clipping bike shoes. One time I fell over sideways, but fortunately, nothing broke. Take care. How long will you be off writing?
Thanks to technology, I’m still writing! Thanks for reading my blog.
Thanks, Marie. I am trying to write with speech to text but it’s a struggle.
You are such a gifted story teller. Even when writing about a challenge, you weave in positivity, truth, and humor. I love your advice about renewing love in the messy moments; my spouse and I are finding lots of those while raising teens!
P.S. (The above comment was mine. I forgot to sign in.) I also wanted to say I am so sorry to hear about your wrist. I’m wishing you quick and thorough healing.
Thanks so much for your note! I love hearing how people connect with my posts. I can so relate – when raising kids- it is so easy to get lost in all the busyness. I will be all healed soon enough. Take care!
You echoed my feelings about my hubby of 40yrs. When people ask about our secret, I usually say, the first couple of years were lust, true love kicked in while we live daily life with all its ups and downs, knowing we have each other no matter what. I love this tribute to your husband.
That’s beautiful!