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The Man



When I was 10, shopping at Sears Roebuck with my mom, I would wander around the men's section and pretend I was a grown woman, shopping for her man. I would ruffle through the rugged red and black plaid shirts, looking for that rare extra extra large. My man was very big and outdoorsy. A guy's guy, but bighearted and true. I'd find jeans, socks, underwear and undershirts, and maybe a surprise: socket wrenches from the tool department.

Later, while setting the table for dinner, I'd lift the lid on the big pot on the stove and stir, letting the steam from Mom's vegetable soup fill the kitchen. How homey I make my home, our home, for my man. I lay out the Parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper. Saltines. Big blue and white bowls. Big spoons. Glasses for milk. Cloth napkins.

I ladle the soup into the bowls and anticipate my man's appreciation. Hi smiles at me and tells me he loves me. And my soup.

It's been almost 11 months since I met Kevin. When he reads this, I'm sure he'll have a big laugh. A big extra extra large laugh. But he might see in himself that man I had created in the Sears Roebuck men's section when I was a little girl. He's a big, outdoorsy guy. Knows how to use a chainsaw, fish, fix a car. He's bighearted and true. Kind, genuine, honest and protective. And, while this didn't enter into the story back then, he's wicked smart and funny.

Dating post-cancer, post double-mastectomy, post reconstruction is a tricky thing. But God smiled on me when I met Kevin last September 1. I'm filled with gratitude.

Comments

Anonymous said…
"Big hearted & true", just perfect for you. The 2 of you ~ really nice looking couple. Happiness shines from the inside. Congratulations on finding each other. After the long roads but just in time to fully understand what really is important.
Nancy (Church)
July 19, 2010 at 7:05 PM
lahdeedah said…
Well, dang. If writing here brings you around, I'll keep on doing it! How are you, Church? I've missed you! and thanks for the sweet words. I'm really happy and hope you are, too, Want to hear what's been going on...
July 19, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Anonymous said…
You had better keep writing! It has always been a gift of yours. Your journey and how you made it beautiful, explaining all the ins outs ups downs was and is soooooo inspirational! Often the only way any of us can help others is just by leading our lives in the best way possible and letting others get the visuals. Your photos are great. I'll look for your email someplace on this site. Otherwise ask "THE DEENZ" for mine! Gosh....I AM SO DARN HAPPY TO SEE HOW YOU ARE THRIVING!
Church
July 26, 2010 at 9:21 AM
lahdeedah said…
Hey Church,

It's sooo good to be in contact with you. You've been on my mind for a whole year. I want to hear how you've been, what you've been doing, and what you've been thinking about!

I'll email Deena for your direct line.

xo
July 27, 2010 at 10:33 AM
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