This man gets up every morning and puts on his work boots, his Carharts, grabs his lunch box which I have filled for him, and takes the first sip of coffee which MAY manage to lift him from his haze by the time he gets to work. This man doesn't like mornings, never has.
This man cannot cook and would have to live on scrambled eggs, pancakes and toast if left to his own devices. Laundry is a conundrum he cannot wrap his head around. But this man can McGyver anything mechanical with bubble gum, a coat hanger and WD-40. He can take the strength and resistance of metal and cut. bend and weld it to his will. When he is working, if you sit back and watch, and he doesn't know you're there, it's like watching a dancer feel the music.
This man has had worry beyond any interpretation of fairness. He is stoic in his burden, but the weight of it shows on his face, which is older than his years.
This man is the guy that is totally comfortable being the lone guy in a gaggle of slightly drunk, over dressed, looking for trouble women. He will contentedly watch their purses and or shoes while they dance the subtle "I Am Married But You Don't Know That So CHeck Out My Ass" dance that is played out all over North America every weekend. Yet, if you get in over your head he is the guy who will step in, arms crossed, glare menacing, warning any man who has crossed the line, "They are mine, Back the F OFF!" and will take it to the next level if he doesn't get the hint. When you are with this man, you feel secure.
This man has children that cause a stir wherever they go. They look different, and act different, and draw attention. But this man has never known a moments embarrassment or discomfort. They are of him, and he loves them and accepts them, and will never let anyone make him feel awkward around them.
This man also has another child, his oldest child, whom he had when he was nearly a child. This child has this man's heart. He loves the others, but his first born, she holds his heart. She has the power to hurt this man, this strong man. And she has, but he loves her regardless, and always will. Always.
This man has the gift of the ability to accept people as they are, and make no attempt to change them. In all the years I have know this man, he has ALWAYS accepted me just how I am, is willing to sit back and let me shine, never to judge or retrain. He has never once made me feel self conscious, and considering my history, that is saying something. It is a rare gift to find a person with whom you can feel absolutely comfortable, absolutely You, in whatever form that may take.
This man, is not big is stature, but he manages to create a presence when he walks in a room. And despite being of entirely average size, he is worth 10 of any man I know. At least 10.
This man, is like a fine wine, getting better with age. But you kinda have to sip it to appreciate it at first. Otherwise you will miss all his fine nuances.
I should know, I have been with this man for more than half our lives. He was a child when I met him, and I watched him mature, and age, and lose his mane of hair, and get silver in his chest hair. And yet when I wake up every morning, the very first thing i hope to see is his old face, asleep, with the worry lines relaxed in slumber. And to watch that face wake up, see me, and feel the love he has for me pour out of his eyes and wash over me like a salve.
This man has given me this gift. To feel utterly accepted, and immeasurably loved. Always. And for that, this Thanksgiving Weekend, I am truly thankful.
This man, if you haven't figured out, is my husband. And I love him. Happy Anniversary My Love.