Art is an engineer. I knew he was practical when I married him. I'm sure he's bought me flowers sometime in our 40 years of marriage. I just can't remember when that would have been.
When we first moved to Chicago, the doctor discovered a lump in my breast that he felt needed to be removed before we contemplated having children. It's the first time I ever had surgery in a hospital. While recuperating, Art brought me a cactus plant.
Ummm... In his mind, it was easy to care for, wouldn't die, and we could bring it home from the hospital to enjoy.
Yes, it's true I was a little surprised. I say little because I was used to how he reasoned things.
The cactus was put in a place of honor and during the Chicago winters reminded us of a warmer place.
While I was recuperating from surgery, Art took care of all the cooking and cleaning and was there to nurse me through recovery.
In the years that followed, he was always there for me through every emergency, every heartache, every happiness.
If he ever bought me flowers, it would have been attached to a plant that could be planted outside or kept in a pot as a house plant. He doesn't want to give me things that would die or lose its value.
No, Art doesn't bring me flowers, but he does shower me with so many other things that are more precious than anything he could buy. Love comes in many shapes and forms.. sometimes prickly. You just have to recognize and appreciate it.
Ummm... In his mind, it was easy to care for, wouldn't die, and we could bring it home from the hospital to enjoy.
Yes, it's true I was a little surprised. I say little because I was used to how he reasoned things.
The cactus was put in a place of honor and during the Chicago winters reminded us of a warmer place.
While I was recuperating from surgery, Art took care of all the cooking and cleaning and was there to nurse me through recovery.
In the years that followed, he was always there for me through every emergency, every heartache, every happiness.
If he ever bought me flowers, it would have been attached to a plant that could be planted outside or kept in a pot as a house plant. He doesn't want to give me things that would die or lose its value.
No, Art doesn't bring me flowers, but he does shower me with so many other things that are more precious than anything he could buy. Love comes in many shapes and forms.. sometimes prickly. You just have to recognize and appreciate it.
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!
I would take a cactus over a tractor any day. Ron got me a backhoe for Valentine' Day one year. But he was smart and also gave me candy and flowers.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. I am also a member of the MAE Club (married an engineer). Is there anything they can't fix?
ReplyDeleteArt is a one in a million wonderful husband and friend....who needs flowers?
ReplyDeleteBeing the wife of an accountant (another logical profession) and the mother of two engineers I COMPLETELY understand!
ReplyDeleteMy husband finally started bringing me flowers when I asked for them. They are always tiger lilies because those are what he likes. He never heard of roses or such. We celebrate being together and I could not ask for a better husband, even if romance is not in his vocabulary! You are so lucky to be with Art, a real gem! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh Kay, you forgot another good reason. You don't have to dust the cactus! (Can't stand indoor plants because they have to be dusted!) Happy Valentine's to a great couple! DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteYour description of youe memory of Art giving you the cactus says it was just the right thing and that Art is just the right guy for you.
ReplyDeleteI would take the care he gave you over a ton of chocolates, roses and sparkles. You have a real keeper.
ReplyDeletewonderful story Kay...I had to laugh about this cactus gift! Scary to learn about your lump though.
ReplyDeleteI don't give my girlfriend flowers, I did at first but she kept after they were dead and rotten. Rather disgusting to see that in a vase.
ReplyDeleteAdam - get a pretty little woven basket with a woven lid. Whenever you give her flowers again, tell her, that as they are wilting, to pull the petals (roses) off individually, and put them in the basket with the lid open for a few days until they dry. (Throw the stems out and the old water at this point.) I collected petals for years like this. This makes a nice scent for awhile.
DeleteDrumMajor
I married an engineer too but he brings me flowers...lol!
ReplyDeleteWell, I am married to an accountant, who likes to beautify our home, so naturally he buys flowers for the coffee table. Usually. But, not when they are too expensive.
ReplyDeleteI have a mechanic and he is just like Art. If he ever bought me flowers, it was a looong time ago. But he fixes everything and does other things most hubby's don't. Thanks for posting this, I thought I was the only one who had a hubby like that.
ReplyDeleteArt is truly a Valentine. David surprised me with two bunches of tulips...just flown in from the Netherlands. And, he did this after I told him he needed to work on his room which is overrun with stacks of paper. Dianne
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of guy. My kids have learned to make a donation to charity (the son who lives far) for Mother's day or take me for a wine tasting picnic(the son who lives near.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy cut flowers from my garden but not those grown afar and shipped in.
He's a really nice guy. Here's my valentine laugh: I passed our very local, home made candy shop on the way home today. The small (15 car) parking lot was double parked--no leaving until the blockade car left. Cars were lined up to pull in. Kinda sweet, if you were not annoyed or blocked.
ReplyDeleteMy Husband is just like that too. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentines Day!
I'm with you. I appreciate the day-to-day things my hubby does for me and I don't need a Hallmark day to know he loves me. Unexpected flowers "just because", hauling out my lawn swing on the first warm day of the year, even throwing a load of laundry in, these things I appreciate!
ReplyDeleteStill, in the spirit of full disclosure I have to admit I'm smitten with the little jewelry treasure he gifted me with this morning! An unexpected surprise since we don't usually make a big deal out of V-Day! :-)
Gee... I wouldn't mind some jewelry. However, I have to admit his taste in jewelry is not like mine so unless I'm with him, it would be better if he not get me any. LOL
DeleteMy husband just asks if there is anything I want for Valentines knowing full well what I am going to say. I don't like any commercially promoted holiday although I make Easter baskets for the grandkids and give money for the rest of the holidays. With giving money I feel it helps our children with their tight budgets and yet not be an acknowledgement of the holidays.
ReplyDeleteL...w
The only person we actually give anything to for a commercial holiday would be our granddaughter. I made a card for her and gave her $5.00 to spend.
DeleteHappy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteI think that you and Art have one of the best marriages of anyone I know in the world!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour Art is a sweetheart and you deserve the love he gives you – Happy Valentine to the happy couple!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is just the most beautiful Valentine's day post, or message, or verse or...anything I have read!
ReplyDeleteHappy Love Day to you and Art!
Your DH has been with you for the journey; that's all that counts! Instead of doing anything mushy, it was my idea to have dinner out with some crazy young friends, and we all made a great new friend, as well. The husband had so much fun he says we should do this yearly, and call it the St. Valentine's Day Masticate
ReplyDeleteAww, this is so sweet, Kay. As little Naomi used to say, it warms the cockles of my heart.
ReplyDelete