Yesterday
was not a perfect day. That’s not to say
I haven’t had one, because I have. That day was 14 years ago. I was kneeling in
the sand, listening to the waves beat gently on the beach. But yesterday was far away from the warm
ocean breeze and seagull spotted skies that continue to add substance to an enduring
memory.
Last night,
as we gathered around the piano at home, I was somewhat out of tune with the
beat, the piano, and my wife. She had
called us all in a few times before, but because I was intent on getting a few
things done, and she was teaching our oldest son something on the piano, I merely
passed through the room from one errand to another not really paying attention. Her intention was to have
our family sing a song together, I misunderstood that. When finally got on the same page, now more
than a little flustered at each other, I decided to make a joke because I thought she had made a cute joke at my expense, but It wasn’t, and I made it worse. The details aren’t important but suffice it
to say that it was a far from perfect evening.
I share
that story, not so you will think my marriage is in jeopardy, but because that’s
life. It’s not perfect; it’s messy,
complicated, wonderful, and full of surprises.
Fourteen years ago today, however, I got to experience a perfect day. She let me pick her up and take her with me
to visit my mom in Freeport, TX. I had
purchased a single white rose from a local florist and had it waiting for her
when she got in my truck. We talked about the future, our plans, dreams we had,
and held hands during that 4 hour drive.
When we got to the beach I made up an excuse to get her to go on a little walk. My
nerves were shot. I honestly knew she was going to say no. How could she say yes? She would have done well with someone else if
she wanted, there would be plenty of options for her; but for me, she was
it. As I knelt in the sand, the ring in
my palm, and said the words I had rehearsed over and over again, I couldn’t believe her answer. We cried, we hugged and we kissed. Then, we planned the wedding. That day, fourteen years ago today, has endured in my memory as a perfect day.
They don’t
come along often, but when they do they are everlasting. The kids, dogs, hurt feelings, house
payments, and stresses of life would come later. For those brief eternal moments, the future lay out ahead
of us as wide and inviting as it ever had been before. Now, after fourteen years of
being together, I’m glad I asked her that short, four word question, “Will
you marry me?” And I’ll be forever be grateful
for her “yes”. We are not a perfect marriage;
we are imperfect people by nature, but we’re working at it. I’m sure, one day, with practice, we’ll figure out the right way to do it. Until then we’ll just have to enjoy the
imperfect days, as well as the perfect ones.
Thank you,
Tiffany. Without that “yes” I would be half the man I am today.
