Alan and I have been married for ten years. I just found out that he hates Chinese food. We’ve been eating Chinese food for ten years.
Alan and I have been married for ten years. I just found out that he likes watching Scottish football. Last night was the first time he switched on a football game in the ten years we’ve been married.
I’ve heard judgmental folks say, “How can someone marry someone and not realize that they are alcoholics, or drug users, or spouse abusers, or… It happens. It really happens.
Before Alan and I married we tried to be totally honest with one another. I told him that I do not iron, and I do not sew. I love walking and working outdoors and if I’m going to sit—it’s going to be in front of the computer writing books. He told me he had diabetes.
There is a reason typical marriage vows include the clause, “in sickness and in health.” The day before our wedding, Alan took a photo of me hoisting up an 85-pound bag of cement. I didn’t warn him about my future physical ailments—I didn’t know I had any. Ten years later, I have arthritis. I’ve had back surgery, a knee replacement, and need a hip replacement. And Alan has recently received a diagnosis of Parkinson ’s disease.
One of the songs in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “The King and I” is “Getting to Know You.” “Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you. Getting to hope you like me…” But can we ever really know all about someone? Isn’t it comforting that God knows all about us—the good, bad, beautiful, and ugly—and still loves us.
“For You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13.
When we got married, Alan knew I loved animals. He told folks that being married to me was like being married to Dr. Doolittle. But I’m sure he never envisioned me opening up the glass door in the kitchen and inviting a wild pigeon to walk in and spend the night after it knocked on the door.
And I never expected to find my husband of ten years sitting in front of a football game on TV.
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Another great post, Stephanie, with valid points. I understand the Scottish football (or as we call it here, soccer) better than the pigeon. lol. Stay well, and I look forward to your next revelations! (P. S. Please do not quote Rodgers and Hammerstein. Now I am singing.
HaHaHa…Rodgers and Hammerstein do it every time! And I figured you and Lee wouldn’t understand about the pigeon!
Had to share. This cracked me up.
Yes, we never do know everything about one another. It’s like opening one of those little nesting dolls from Russia, or peeling an onion (depending on what it is you find out). LOL But “for better or for worse” covers it all. “Richer or poorer,” “in sickness and in health.”
Life would be very dull if we knew everything about our partner all at once. I love the occasional surprises.
Recently, I found out that Arnie used to race motocross bikes (doing the research for my latest WIP), and also that he used to raft on rapids. It’s a good thing he’s not quite so energetic anymore. 🙂 When he wants to get a rise out of me (and I guess he recently found out he could), he says he’s going to go look at new motorcycles. I just glare at him. LOL
Thanks! And what amazing new things to learn about Arnie! Awesome!