Yesterday, when my sweet young Vietnamese friend, Chi, came for my help with English, she surprised me with two dozen homemade spring rolls. I knew my husband would be thrilled. When he came home from work, I had a few of the rolls sizzling in oil on the stove, the rest of the dinner nearly ready as well. We sat down at the table, held hands, bowed our heads, and he said grace as he usually does. Then he dug into those delicious spring rolls.
A few minutes later, I put the rest of the dinner on the table, a tuna-spinach casserole (trust me, it’s delicious), macaroni and cheese, and a baked acorn squash which my husband had cut open for me that morning before he left for work since those winter squashes are just too hard for me to cut.
I placed his plate in front of him, sat down in front of mine, reached across the table to hold his hand, and started to bow my head. He looked at me and began laughing.
“Honey, we already said grace.”
Not missing a beat, I continued to bow my head while holding his hand and said, “I just wanted to offer up another prayer, Lord, for my wonderful husband who would never make me feel like a stupid old woman.”
He needed to dry his eyes with his napkin, he was laughing so hard. We were enjoying the rest of the meal, especially the acorn squash that was filled with butter and brown sugar, soft and delicious, when I decided to thank my husband again for his help that morning.
“Thank you for helping me with the squash because it’s always too hard for me to cut.”
He looked over at the squash on my plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, honey. Why would you need help cutting the squash? It looks perfectly soft to me.” He smiled at me innocently.
I grabbed his hand again. “We need to pray some more.”
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On another note, I wrote 25 words less than 2000 words yesterday on my novel, not a bad show when I had such little time. I may have to increase my 20,000-word goal.
Coming East 
There is a lot to be said for couples who made that commitment to one another, no matter what. It’s nice to hear of others who have chosen to stay together, for better or worse. When bumps appear in the road, many are too quick to hop off and look for another path. Great job on NaNo, hope you have lots of fresh ideas for Friday’s writing time. What a blessing your friend Chi is!
I think I’m learning as much from Chi as she is from me! As for my husband and I staying together, we have no choice. We’re madly in love!
That was an endearing story. I loved it. Thanks for giving us just a little peek into the sweetness of a long-lasting marriage. Laughter and understanding go a long, long way. I know because that’s what happens in this 34-year marriage of mine as well. Wow! You’re burning up your word count on the novel! Keep up the good work!!
We’re not that much farther ahead of you at 39 years of marriage (40 in February). Ah, the sweetness of a good marriage! I’m so happy to hear you share that, too. Thanks, Mama.
What a wonderful evening, great food, fun conversation, and lots of laughter! I am hungry for spring rolls…
Most evenings are like that, Amy. We laugh a lot.
I love how your words make me see the scene at your table unfolding in my head. Sounds like a lovely meal and a wonderful relationship. Squash cutting especially.
Thank you, Winsomebella. Laughter is a big part of our marriage. It’s part of what’s kept us going for these nearly 40 years together.
One of the things I love best about my husband is how he makes me laugh.
I bet you’ll be able to write more than 20,000 for NaNo. Last time I did it, I was worried at the beginning, but once I got into my story, I made lots of progress and was able to reach the goal. I’m at 4,000 words now, but the rest of the week is pretty busy and I don’t know how much I’ll get done. Better get to it! 🙂
I know what you mean, Shary, about other things taking up your time. It is after 2 P.M. now and I’m just starting on my writing. I still have laundry I’m doing, and my little violinist is coming over to play with me in less than an hour. Today will not be a good writing day. But tomorrow I should have very few interruptions. Yea! I’m looking forward to hearing more about your progress. Thanks so much for tell me about NaNo.
Your post made me smile. And I understand the squash thing… I have a few that were easy for me to cut, and some that were near impossible. Always nice to have a helpmate for such things.
Thanks, CMW. I’d eat winter squash nearly every day if it weren’t so dang hard. Butternut squash isn’t any better.
You two are so clever and fun. lol The food sounds delicious.
Way to go on your Nano. Keep on keeping on! 🙂
Thanks, E.C. I’ve got a lot of other things on my plate today, but I’ve set 3000 words as my goal.
Sounds like that hubby of yours is a blessing worth repeating!! Congrats on your writing goal and your advancement toward meeting it!
Thanks, Carol. My hubby keeps me smiling all day long, just thinking about him.