Ode to the Mister

An end-of-year tribute to my favorite man

He gently walks into the room, morning creeping through the windows, holding a carefully

selected mug of hot, slightly creamed coffee in his hands. It’s for me. Of course it is.

My eyes have not been open long but with them I can already see that today, again, he loves me

more than the day before. I am adored and he is handsome.

Be still my heart when I watch his hard-working hands form sounds and songs I couldn’t dream

of playing on those black and white keys! My piano man. He sneaks in a bit of singing here and

there, claiming that I’m the singer. I know better even if he does not. He must have missed how

wide I smile when I hear him sing. His music calms my soul and calls me home. Music is how

we met. It’s where we belong.

He cooks a great meal, plates it beautifully. He makes sure that I approve-of course I do, and

serves it to me-of course he does. He doesn’t mind a girl who can put down a burger faster than

her man! Then, he lights up like a child when I say “I want chocolate!” He agrees but adds, “I

want coffee!” We always want coffee. That’s just one of a million things we have in common.

And yet, our differences are just as important. We welcome them. We are stronger together

because of them. I love him for embracing and celebrating my unique traits, talents and interests.

I could not fully be a womanly woman if I hadn’t married a manly man! His chivalry and

“husbandry” (caretaking) is world class. I’m the luckiest girl in the world every time he opens

my door, works on my car, pulls out my chair, provides for me and protects me. I melt when he

prays. I soak up his words of wisdom and guidance. He’s an amazing leader!

And, he is quite the romantic! Not just at “certain times,” either. I mean, he is a sentimental,

thoughtful, old-soul kind of guy that you think only exists in the movies. (Did I mention we also

love a good movie on the couch? Who needs a big theater when you have a comfy red blanket

and a TV above a fireplace?) He is full of surprises and gives the best gifts. The ones that really

mean something. In short, He treats me like a princess.

He builds the best fires, puts on the best songs while we drive over the Carolina hills. We hold

hands and just talk. I love being with him. He’s a safe shoulder for my head to rest on. He’s a

caring and sacrificial father, a man of God, a gifted teacher-great with kids! Great…That’s

actually a good word to end on. Great. I have a great husband! His name, Micheal, means “Gift

from God.”

I am so thankful for my Micheal.