This morning I hit the floor running. I always have a list of things to do (so many ideas in my head!). These “things” usually involve the help of my husband. And, as usual, I am inspired with a new idea by just walking through my home. With all the changes that have taken place since our renovation began 2 years ago, there is always an opportunity to add to the long list of things that need to be done in order to say “We are finished!”

The idea today was a new display area in the downstairs hallway. Glassed in, lighted. Extending the entire length of the hall. By creating this display area, then I could move my sewing and craft room into the old library area that has plenty of shelves and a lot of space for creating. My thoughts were spinning 90 miles an hour and I could already see how incredible this would be!

Overjoyed with excitement, I shared my idea with my husband. His response? “Yes, it can be done.”

As I sat waiting for more discussion, the silence was deafening. And, for some reason, he is not making eye contact with me. Could the silence mean that in his head he is planning and before the day is done, the display area will be underway? But something tells me it’s not going to happen. There is a lack of enthusiasm on his facial expression. A blank expression, to be exact.

Putting the brakes on my train of thought, I recalled the last few years of his life. Here’s a recap:

Cared for (and loved) aging parents. A 24-hour job that he never gave up on no matter how tired he became. Whatever the need, he provided. From large home repair projects to even the daily explaining over and over how to use a remote. And, he never complained about the responsibility. Occasionally I heard the release of a long, slow breath but he always did what was needed or wanted until they both passed away.

Cared for (and loved) my mom when she was diagnosed with cancer and facing death. There was so much trust and love between my husband and my mom, she confided in him about the cancer treatments, expressing her desire to not go through any more chemo treatments, and asking his opinion. He assured her that whatever decision she made would be one that our family would support. He created an environment in our home that brought her peace, calm, and contentment during her last days.

Upkeep on his parents’ home until work could be done to place it on the market. He took full responsibility – repairs, expenses, maintenance, grass cutting, bush hogging the pasture. So much of the work he did himself in order to save cost, time, and travel to the extended family.

Upkeep on my mom’s house until it sold. There again, so much work, travel back and forth, financial expenses, grass cutting, repairs, and anything that needed to be done fell on his shoulders.

Working a full-time job, just like anyone else, but often with hours beyond the average 40.

Then, the renovation of our home. Overwhelming, to say the least. And, so much of the work he has done himself. “It has to be done right, so I will do it myself” attitude. Slow process, but it is (as always when he does something) the best job possible!

Caring for our family and friends. He makes sure that the needs of our family are met as well as being there for friends when a need arises.

Yesterday, after enjoying lunch and a relaxing time together with friends, I came home to find our American flag mounted and the flagpole secured in concrete in one of our front flower gardens, a project that has been on our “to-do” list for some time. My husband thought it would be a great time to get this up for Memorial Weekend, something I had casually mentioned a few days before. With our metal pole, which required his welding skills, we might resemble the post office, but he did it correctly.

Proud to fly our American flag

Before the flag pole project, Jerome staked the beans, tomatoes, hoed and watered the garden. And, earlier in the day, before I left to meet friends for lunch, he washed my car. As I was leaving, he told me to enjoy the day with my friends.

I sigh with contentment as I watch the flag blowing in the gentle breeze. The flag represents so many things to me, but especially my freedom to live as I do and enjoy life. And a big part of this life is a loving husband who gives to others before he thinks of himself.

I think my display area can wait. It’s really not important. I need to slow down and not have so many projects. Enjoy life’s moments as they come!

Happy Memorial Day my friends.