I love him

Just over a month ago I was invited by a friend that I had just recently met to go to Mexico with her. I mentioned it to D, and he quickly told me that yes I could go because it was going to be a once in a lifetime trip. Within the next few days I applied for a passport not knowing when or where exactly I would be going. A couple weeks later I found out that we would be going just after Thanksgiving and to Mexico City. I was thrilled.

I made arrangements for the kids, had/paid my sister to come help for a few days, bought the entire freezer aisle, and was ready to leave.

Just before the trip, D and I celebrated our eighteenth anniversary. We didn't do much. That will come later when we go to Bon Jovi. :) He came home that day with tulips and told me that he wanted his "two lips" all over me. He's so cute. It made my day. Then he handed me a bag. I was anxious to see what was in it, because I don't usually trust his taste, but...I was pleasantly surprized when I found a gorgeous black leather purse and gloves for me to take on my trip. I hugged him right away and thanked him for the amazing gifts. I love how he put the tulips in the pitcher. I love him.

Rather than focusing on the fact that he would be home with seven children for eight days without me, he was excited for me. Not once did he ever say that he wished that he could go. Not once did he ever complain about all the arrangements or the expense of it all. What husband would do that? If you don't have seven children at home, you can't answer that. I love him.

My flight left early in the morning on the first. At four o'clock that morning, I asked D if he would give me a blessing. It was beautiful. I wept as I heard him bless me that I might have angels on either side of me. That was a strong statement. I wondered why he was impressed to say that. But rather than worry like I would have a few months ago, I felt safe and knew that I would be protected and would return to my family. I love him.

One morning, my friend, her aunt and I were on a bus headed for the Mexico City Temple. At one of the bus stops four young men jumped on the bus. One of them started shouting. I, not understanding anything that he was saying, smiled at him thinking he was telling everyone to have a good morning. I never thought anything about it. Next thing I knew everyone on the bus was handing him their money. I still thought nothing of it. There was a big telathon going on down there, so I thought perhaps he was taking collections for it. The four men got off the bus right after that. My friend said nothing. A few minutes later she poked my leg with her finger and still remained silent. When we arrived at the temple, she could barely speak. She was shaking and very scared. A few minutes later she told what had happened. The man shouting on the bus had told us that they weren't robbers but that we better give them our money. There were men at both the front and back doors so nobody better try to leave or call out for help. After she told me that, I knew that I had been blessed. I couldn't stop crying knowing that I had had angels on either side of me. I had smiled at the man and had given him nothing. I was so grateful for D and the blessing that he had given me. I love him.

While on my trip, something came up. I was in tears and the physical traits of anxiety started showing up again. I longed to be home in D's arms where all would be okay. I was able to speak to him one day and he told me to enjoy my trip. He told me that he loved me and thinks the world of me. I trusted and needed to hear those words. I love him.

As I spent those eight days in Mexico, I learned that I'm very fortunate. I saw people and heard stories of relationships and marriages that had crumbled. I kept thinking back about my good husband that was home with our seven children. My husband that thinks the world of me. The night before I returned home, I sent D an email telling him that I was giddy at the thought of returning home. I couldn't wait to hug him and kiss him again. I told him about my new found appreciation for him. I knew that I had it good, but now I know that I have it great! I love him.

As I stood outside the airport waiting for D to pick me up, I was watching for his small car. I couldn't believe it. There my suburban was pulling up to greet me. I could see all the car seats full of children. He, my husband, had loaded up the three little kids and had brought them to greet me. I was in tears at the thought of returning home to my Heaven on earth. I hugged him, touched each of my children, and held on to D as we drove home. I love him.

I had only told a couple of people that I was even going to Mexico. They laughed at the thought of D home alone with all seven children and were sure that he would learn to appreciate me more. Maybe so. But, like I told D, I have gained a new appreciation for him. I have returned more grateful for the life that I have, the relationships that I have, and all the Lord has blessed me with. Having said that, D, I'll do better at keeping up on laundry, your laundry, less wasted food, and meeting your needs. D, you mean the world to me.

Happy and grateful and going to do better because I love him.