to an awesome guy

I am married to an awesome guy.

Last Valentines Day he came in after his post work shower to find me slaving over a graphic job in my studio.  "Do you have time to stop for a while?"

I growled that the job had grown and the person was coming later that evening to pick it up.  Kindly, he said "What can I do?" and got to work helping me.

Later, after the person told me she'd forgotten that this was Valentines Day and she'd just get it tomorrow, I learned that Louis had bought tickets to a special dinner for us.  He was kind about it as I ranted.  I felt horrible - on all counts.  I sat by my computer feeling sad, ashamed, frustrated, tired and began to write.  I thought I'd share it here.

While I serve others, you come up short

as I neglect so many things

But you are always a good sport

and take with patience what life brings.

I love you so and never mean

to slight, ignore or turn away

And still I take on more it seems

Each time we face a special day.

So thank you for the grace you give

While I complete just one more thing

And in the future as we live

Perhaps some joy for you I’ll bring

So for today, I work and wish

That I was freer for some task-

Brownies, meatloaf, chocolate gifts-

To give you more while less I ask.

The picture was taken in North Carolina by one of my daughters.  I cropped it.

Ode to a Beautiful Floor

I do not know what chemicals were in the mortar mix

Or what the make up of the Portland that my tiles fix

The awful smell that wafted up from sealer - finish spread.

The dust and fumes that round me rose and breathed into my head.



I am not sure what damages were done to my poor back

by lifting, moving, carrying the buckets and the sacks

And I’m uncertain just how long my nails will hold the stain

of colored mortar.  Will they ever really be the same?



“Why did you do it?” some may ask when taking in my plight.


“A job not made for ladies fair,”  I guess perhaps they’re right.

But standing back, I take it in and noone could ignore

that I am happy as can be with my new slate tile floor.

Jackie

I wrote this for my daughter this past spring.  I think she 'got' it.  The poem speaks into my life as well.

My daughter dear, I do not know

just where the paths we follow go

and I must trust Who takes us there

is good and right and kind and fair.

For if we push and plan and scheme

in our own strength to own our dream,

we will not reach a better end

than we can have through God our friend.