Yesterday I woke up HAPPY. No longer SLEEPY, I got up and walked into our cozy little kitchen-living-office space to start breakfast. Renaissance Man headed outside to begin his long list of chores. While taking my allergy meds (so I wouldn’t be SNEEZY!), IT scurried across my floor and out of sight.
A mouse. In my little, tiny house.
Yes, I know it’s cold outside, but there is NOT room for both of us—and I’m not too BASHFUL to say that loud and often.
As I stood reeling from what I’d just seen, Renaissance Man opened the door and said,
After we eat some breakfast, I’m going to need your help. Sorry. The ground wasn’t frozen as hard as I thought, and I need you to drive the tractor and help me pull my truck out of the mud.
On the outside I was agreeable, but on the inside . . . GRUMPY was working his magic.
We ate breakfast in silence then parted company. I dressed in my warm bib overalls and Muck boots and grumbled my way down to the barn. After all, I had a long to-do list of my own, and getting a truck unstuck wasn’t on it.
But the only reason Renaissance Man was at home working on a long list of pre-Winter-storm prep and not at the office was because DOC scheduled him for gall bladder surgery on Friday—that’s today, and it’s his birthday. Getting his truck stuck first thing in the morning wasn’t on his to-do list either.
This Adventure we’re on is a joint one,
so I adjusted my attitude (took long enough, huh?) and climbed up in the tractor. There was work to do.
Finally, we were getting close . . .
A few minor adjustments and the chore was behind us. I drove the tractor back to the barn while Renaissance Man, following in the truck, stopped to offer me a ride back to the house.
I felt DOPEY standing there with my bed hair, Oompa Loompa-like attire, and clompy (but oh, so warm!) boots.
And then my sweet husband (who sometimes is oblivious but other times says just the right thing), said,
You’re more than I bargained on when we married.
Gulp.
There I was looking (and feeling) really ugly—and thinking of my juvenile response to a mouse and a stuck truck—and thinking that if there were an eighth dwarf, I’d name him EMBARASSED.
Not quite sure how to respond (or what he was implying!), I shrugged and laughed awkwardly. And then he said,
I could not be more proud of you than I am right now. I know you were out of your comfort zone.
Dwarf #9: HUMBLED
So I sit here at the hospital, Renaissance Man—sans gall bladder—safely in recovery. All good.
Outside it’s snowing. City roads are treated, so we’ll start our trek home soon.
We live in the country.
That last road and our steep, dirt (sometimes mud!) driveway will be tricky. Thankfully we have a backup plan. (Most of our friends are actually civilized!)
In the meantime, I’m about to venture back out of my comfort zone.
Wish me luck!
Have a great weekend, friends. Stay warm and safe!
So glad his surgery wen well. I guess he is laying back and taking it easy like I wished him on his birthday card. Both of you take care.
A good woman can do ANYTHING she needs to do. It’s nice when a man acknowledges that, isn’t it? I’m glad that he’ll be in your capable hands while he’s recovering! Happy New Year, Susan!
Thank you, Shelley! Happy New Year to you, as well. I hope it’s a great one for both you and Mama’s Miracle Linen Soak!
Your posts make me smile! praying for a quick recovery for your husband !
Cindy, a post that makes someone smile is quite a compliment! I’m happy to know that. Thank you for your prayers for my Renaissance Man!
Sending special wishes for a speedy recovery for your husband!! I’d probably have another dwarf named “EEEK!”
Love and hugs,
Nellie
That’s a great idea… Dwarf #10: EEEEEK!
I hope you’re staying warm during this cold spell we’re having–but hasn’t it been pretty?
Prayers for speedy recovery for Renaissance Man and his care giver. This is a delicious post! Cherry Kay 🍒
Susan, first let me say how thankful I am that Renaissance Man is recovering well. Life is just so much better when we have our very own Renaissance Man and Wonder Woman.♥
But, I can’t leave without telling you that this post made me laugh aloud. And, I can’t begin to tell you how much I needed this. Mom fell again Wednesday, and she is in the hospital hoping to be transferred to rehab. She has been in assisted living, but it is probably time for her to move to the next level of care for more assistance.
Beverly, I’m so sorry to learn of your mother’s fall. I’m praying you’ll be able to make a decision about (and find availability for!) the care she needs. I’m glad you were able to get a good laugh at my expense. Happy to help!
Susan, you do have a way with words. I always come away after reading your blog a much more grateful person for either having had a good laugh or having been inspired, encouraged, or challenged to be better.
How can you love someone you’ve never met? Only a very Good God could make that happen.
Please take very good care of that great husband of yours and tell him he has a cheering section rooting him onward…Afterall, those chores aren’t going away!
Blessings to you Both
My heart to your heart
Gmama JaneEllen
A good post to start my week. Living out the commandment “love one another” starts in our homes. Sometimes it means putting aside our own interests to attend to the interests of our spouse. You certainly did that and Renaissance Man knew it, and as a loving husband he encouraged your heart. Now you have encouraged ours. You’re an excellent writer, Susan. Great post.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry because I relate to much of what you’re saying. 🙂 I’m often glad that my inner thoughts can’t be heard when I’m asked to do something that I don’t want to do. You ARE a good wife! It’s nice when the hubbies call that out. I’m glad his surgery went well. I had gall bladder surgery almost one year ago and it really helped alleviate some pain I had been having.