Friday, September 12, 2008

Blackberry Summer Evening


Tonight, after a hearty meal of meatloaf, saffron noodles and farm fresh corn on the cob, Beloved and I took a walk with the hopes of finding some blackberries. It's late in the season for these wonderful treasures, but a girl can hope! Not to mention after that meal I needed a good walk!

We were fortunate to find berries a-plenty on the path through the woods above our house. As the late summer breeze whispered around us, I couldn't help but smile. These last few weeks have been...difficult in so many ways.

I've been baffled by the complexity of this man I call husband and wondered if things were amiss. He's been quiet at times and at other times moody. Having been married for nearly 21 years has not dulled my senses and as I looked for the cause of his melancholy I began to fret that something was afoot.

Mid-life crisis

I heard you whisper that.

It's the same niggling thought that has been crawling around my brain, but what does it mean? A sports car? A motorcycle? A girlfriend? He is after all, a mere mortal. And, alas, I am a forty-year-old woman with an attitude. What's a girl to do?

I did what any good wife would do, I asked him and hoped he wouldn't be snappy with me, which he wasn't. It was a lot of little things but nothing truly serious. Whew!

After some good natured joking I assured him that I do indeed still have a bad attitude and will take that skinny, blond, young, $%#)*& down if she messes with me. I was also kind enough to point out that when I finished with her that I'd be heading his way.

He laughed and said, "Girlfriends take too much effort at my age. I'm too tired."

Score one for laziness :)

As he dumped his handful of berries into the bucket his hand brushed mine and he whispered, "I love you". I smiled up into his beautiful blue eyes, so very thankful for this quiet evening. I know that storms will continue to rain on our parade, but I guess as long as we keep talking, we'll be able to weather whatever comes our way.

The smell of blackberry pie is filling the house and Beloved is resting after a very long week. Tomorrow brings another work day for both of us, but Sunday is waiting with its inspiring message and peaceful afternoon.

I can't wait.

6 comments:

Barrie said...

Ahhh....

I've been married 21 years!

See, see, I'm here!

Sandcastle Momma said...

We hit 21 years this year as well.
My husband told me not too long ago that the LAST thing he would want is a girlfriend. He said "dealing with one woman is hard enough - why on earth would I want to deal with two!"
I'm glad you were able to talk and relieve your fears. It sounds like you have a good man.
Life would get boring if we never hit any rough patches.

tootie said...

This was so honest, so touching. Enjoy your Sunday together!

Patti said...

i think when men are married to strong women, women who will hunt them and their girlfriends down, that they are like our men. they have no need to start all over because they know the danger ahead of them.

score one for us.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

You hit the nail on the head. (Oops, sorry for the cliche.) Communication is a vital part of a good marriage.

Don't you just love those sweet moments? I'm glad your day ended on such a positive note.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Roo said...

I'm not married, but I have to tell you I'm impressed and moved at how you were able to resolve your uncertainty. From what I've been able to gather from your posting you have a good relationship and hope that you have AT LEAST 21 MORE years together.

You are a great example for those that follow your writing.