Things are really bad, and I usually now get Barb out of bed every night, when I'm screaming in pain, but nonetheless, I do try to keep fit.
To the point where today, Barb had a stubborn juice-bottle that she asked me to open.
She asked, kind of rhetorically, "What will I do when you're gone?"
My response was, "Get a good pair of channel-lock pliers, some duct tape, and some JB Weld. That'll do it."
We can delve deep into this conversational exchange, but what's the point?
The juice-top lid was staying on,
and you had to ask for aid;
“When you're gone, what will I do?”
That, my dear, is what you said.
I understand the deep emotion
that doth lie behind this plaint;
not disrespecting your devotion,
don't make me what I ain't.
Get some channel-locking pliers,
duct-tape, and some JB Weld,
and you'll find that hell's own fires
can, with these, be distant-held.
I love you, dear but am a tool
that is, at end, replaceable.
Apologies to those who left comments that went unanswered. With the spring winds come long interruptions in internet service, and I've been really, really sick. Internet works in the wee hours, but I just can't anymore.
Music from Brad Paisley, with I'm Gonna Miss Her. Please click here if the video doesn't load on your device.
Not sure how the video of choosing fishing over "your" wife illustrates your point. Am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteBarb, no, you're not missing anything. I just put in the video for fun; and I don't even fish!
DeleteNo need to reply. Just praying you continue to have sweet exchanges with your love! It's a gift...each kiss...each aid. Jennifer FMF
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you're so right. Each moment with her is a gift.
DeleteI hope Barb clobbered you with the channel-lock pliers. xo
ReplyDeleteSusan, she didn't use the channel-locks to whack me, but she DID make good use of the duct tape. XOXOXOXO
DeleteYou may be "replaceable" but you are eternal - and the difference you have made in our lives is, too. (Karen FMF #15)
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you so much for this. Truly.
DeleteContinuing in prayer for you as you endure increased pain. Please know that your writing has an impact on all of us.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about it, I often say the same thing to my husband that your wife said to you. It comes from a place of honesty in the present moment mixed with a bit of fear for the future. I truly don't know how I would handle all of the things he does for me if he were to move to heaven before me. In addition to handling our financial affairs, he handles so many of our household maintenance and repairs. I would miss his ability to quickly dig out stubborn plants in the garden, and how he easily opens the lid on an equally stubborn peanut-butter jar that make my advancing arthritis flare. Marriage is such a partnership and it is hard to think of doing any part of it without the one we love.
Thank you for pushing through your pain to meet up with your FMF friends here today.
~ Cindie at FMF #26
Cindie, thank you so much for this thoughtful comment, so full of honesty and truth!
DeleteIt is hard to know what we would do without one another in the partnership of marriage; my background tends to point me toward an attitude of personal expendability, and in the context of 'then' it was not wrong, but it can leak out into the 'now', which is not really a good thing.
Thank you so much for being here!
I know it rubs some people the wrong way to think about, but while we serve a unique purpose here on the earth and there is no one like us--work and life continues after we're gone. Your wife (and many, many others!) will miss you once you've crossed over and you will leave a hole behind, but the lids will still be opened, somehow. Knowing this helps us to embrace the shortness of human life and enjoy each precious day.
ReplyDeleteEllie, exactly that...life does, and must, go on. The lids will be opened...how terrible if they were not!
DeleteThank you so much for this!
Expendable? Replaceable? Not the years, not the bond, not the fight, not the passion nor the anguish. Only those things that another can do are replaceable, not who one truly is. And who knows how to say the right words during times like this. Prayers always for you both.
ReplyDeleteMary, you said it perfectly, that what we do can be replaced, but what we are...never.
DeleteThank you so much for bringing me this clarity, and always, for your prayers!
Andrew, you continue to amaze me, and yes, in the end... we can be replaced...but always will be missed. visiting from FMF32
ReplyDeleteAnnette, thank you...you summed this up beautifully.
DeleteThose every day little moments. They are most precious here - and will, one day, the most missed!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you're so right...I've forgotten many 'big' moments, but the small joys live on.
Deletelove and admire the humor in the hard moments... praying for you daily.
ReplyDeleteMisty, thank you so much for these lovely affirming words, and most especially, for your prayers!
Delete