Husband of the Year

Here is a list I have been compiling of nice things Kevin has done for me recently.

He got up and refilled my glass of water when I noticed it was out, just so I wouldn't have to move from the couch.

He watched Lady and the Tramp with me.

He gave me his last piece of cake (not that I am hinting for the last piece that is sitting in there now.)

He bought me flowers when I told him I was having a bad day.

He gives back rubs.

He offered foot rubs (albeit with a look of trepidation).

He picks up food when I am tired or craving something.

When I was sick, he was very kind in taking care of me, even offering to go to the store after midnight to buy me the only cold medicine I am allowed to take.

He tells me that I am not following any of the negative pregnancy stereotypes, despite the fact that I have eaten more chocolate in the last six months than in all the rest of my years possibly combined.

He ate the noodles I undercooked.

He went dancing with me for our anniversary.

He backed up my computer after I went to bed, because I had gotten the blue screen of death that day.

And about a month ago, we had this conversation:
Audrey: I was going to ask you something, but I forgot my question.
Kevin: The answer is 'yes'. Yes, I love you more today than on the day I married you.

Certain Kinds of Magic

In December, when I began training my replacement at the Co-op, I felt certain she would be a bad fit. Finally, Kevin and I talked it over and agreed that I should offer to come back after my Christmas vacation and work as a temp to train someone else. The pay rate for temps is half of what I was making hourly. I made the offer. I received a counter offer. I was offered my regular pay plus a thousand dollar bonus to come back and train someone else. I accepted the offer.

I am convinced that this blessing poured out from those windows the Lord promised to leave open. I also felt that this money was to help with easing the strain other charitable donations had put on us. We had been called upon to give, and we gave. Then the Lord gave back.

Just as I was finishing up at work, I got an email about another good place where my money could go. And I knew, knew, that the extra money from my bonus was meant for this. Kevin and I juggled some numbers and found ourselves able to give, again.

That's when I found the piano.

I have always wanted a piano. Always wanted, but kind of always knew that I'd never be able to afford it or to justify the expense for a beginner. But in my head floated golden evenings with Jocilyn playing hymns or Tarythe playing Broadway musicals, while the rest of us stood around them and sang. I craved a piano like I craved that golden light of memory. But it was never going to happen.

Shelly told me about a piano adoption website, and on the day that I decided to sign away the last of my bonus, I found a piano for free in Austin. Now, it's not really for free, as I have to pay moving costs and tuning, but it is cheaper than any alternative I could imagine.

And today, that piano is sitting in my dining room. It's not fancy, it's not new, but it's mine.

And I know, the way Harry knew that Ron had to be the one to stab the Horcrux, that this was a gift for obeying the Lord and for giving what I had to give. As King Benjamin taught, when we keep the commandments of the Lord, he does immediately bless us.

I have come to understand something of certain kinds of magic.