The Poetry of Another Ordinary Day
Sleep lingers, darkness still prevailing, as your whispered words stir my
consciousness: "I love you by my side." Without direction, my whisper joins yours.
"It warms my heart to know you're with me." Under the sheets, your fingers gently
intertwine with mine as we drift on in a soulful contentment known only by committed
lovers.
You float across the room, my eyes peering over the brim of my cup of steaming coffee,
watching your every movement as if for the first time. I know full well that you don't talk at the
beginning of a day. Yet the warmth of your morning smile sends my heart pounding in my
chest, silent words echoing in my soul: O, my God, what a wonderful way to begin my day!
Strolling hand-in-hand across the parking lot to share a morning meal at our favorite
waterfront cafe seems a joy others only dream about, yet it is the wonder of our every Friday
morning. We hold hands and sit with bowed heads as I lead us in saying grace: "Dear God
in Heaven, we thank you for the food you have provided for the nourishment of our bodies
this morning. We are grateful for the comfort of our home and the love of our family. We ask
that you support and encourage all those who are suffering and in need. As always, we
ask that you bless and strengthen our marriage. Amen."
Walking slowly down the grocery store aisle in our holding-hands custom, the simple act of
sharing my life with my loving companion fills me with a sense of sheer delight. How could life
be better?
Together, hand-in-hand, we walk between the outdoor vending stations at our local
farmers' market, stopping for a friendly visit with vendors Israel and Esther at their fruit stand,
sharing in their pleasure that their two daughters and one son are doing so well in college.
All at the same time!
We drive over to the convalescent center in a nearby city where our friend John is
residing, the rapid advancement of his Lou Gehrig's disease leaving him in a wheelchair
without the use of his legs. It was only two weeks ago that we stopped by his tennis shop
where he and his brother Richard worked together, taking pleasure that the fresh
rhubarb pie that we brought for them was an unexpected and wonderful gift of
their favorite dessert. Today, with tears in his eyes, John thanks us for thinking of
him and taking the time to stop by to visit. Departing, we share a loving embrace with
John, feeling blissful fulfillment that our visit meant so much to him.
Later in the day, we visit with sweet Mike, an elderly disabled man who daily tries as best he
can to help support his wife and grandchildren by hand-washing car windows in parking lots.
Investing a few dollars that we'll never miss in helping him provide for his family gladdens our
hearts. Driving home, we share the truth with each other that it is, indeed, far better to give
than to receive. Once again, our acting together on the mutuality of common desires
strengthens our loving bond.
Our evening passes as so many others before as we enjoy television entertainment, teary-
eyed with emotion at the conclusion of a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movie presentation and
laughing over each other at the humorous skit in the situation comedy "Two and a Half Men."
At the conclusion of another wonderful day, fingers gently intertwined in a darkened
bedroom, we chat and share our thoughts of events in the past--sometimes decades-old
memories-- and of events to come, frequently laughing with each other as we share our
favorite jokes for at least the hundredth time. We acknowledge with miraculous delight
that though others see us as very different personalities in so many little things in life, we are
"joined at the hip" in sharing a deep-seated satisfaction in sharing our love, understanding
and compassion for those less fortunate.
Finally, sleepy eyes drooping, we say our evening prayers and close the night as only we
do say:
"Goodnight, Jodi, Honey. "
"Goodnight, Richie, Honey."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
"I'll wait for you at Heaven's Door."
And so closes the poetry of another ordinary day of two committed partners-in-life.
Thank you, God. We are so blessed!
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