Well now, isn’t he handsome? He’s hunching, which I told him not to do, but does he listen to me? nah. S’okay tho’ cause this picture is just so cute. He’s about to give me a stern look which says “you better hurry up and get this over with because I’ve just about exhausted my patience with your modeling commands.” and I’m just about to say “oh just one more….ok, just one more….alright just one more…only just one more.” 
So I’m figuring a lot out about marriage and love and such, and mostly it’s all good productive information that no one bothers to slap you in the face with while you’re all googly eyed and on a drug called endorphins. But I wouldn’t have listened so i fault you all not. I’m figuring out that love is different than you think it is. It’s different than the movies, and it’s rarely found in those pop songs on the radio. In particular, it’s not found much in high school…nor can you really unearth it in the first few years of a marriage. The kind of love I’m learning about is a little more subtle and easy to miss if you aren’t looking. It’s something I know about one percent about, and am trying to keep scratching away to uncover more. It’s good stuff, and I’m thinking that it’s better than the romance novels because it’s real and it’s hard and it’s a daily thing that involves ignoring and accepting and rejoicing and laughing. I’m pretty sure it’s the stuff that heroes are made of, and we may just be walking among them. I think my parents might know a thing or two about it actually. I should watch them closely this weekend and see what I can learn. Mike’s parents indeed know quite a bit about it as well. I have not quite got the hang of it all yet, but I’m lucky in that the man I married is patient. He is ever-patient. In fact, I do believe he is a man who belongs in another era, because he is just so loyal and steadfast and honorable-it truly makes me proud. If anything can make you proud, it’s being married to a man of character.
So here’s your picture quote. I don’t know who wrote it, so if you do, shout it out. But it’s pretty, and it’s true, and I thought you may like it as well:
“But some emotions don’t make a lot of noise. It’s hard to hear pride. Caring is real faint – like a heartbeat. And pure love – why, some days it’s so quiet, you don’t even know it’s there.”
What a lovely entry! Yes, marriage is different than anybody explained it to be, and different than what I expected, and all-around better. But more difficult.
Three cheers for good men!
Meg
I’m still learning too Lacy and I’ve been in it for nearly ten years. But I am constantly thankful for being blessed with one of the good ones who loves me and spoils me despite what a pain in the ass I can be at times. I think the day we stop learning about marriage is maybe the day we stop being married. It’s lifelong and wonderful and constantly changing and evolving.
And the pic of Mike is adorable.
Lace, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head… it is a continual learning process, and it’s a fun ride! There are points in there that things feel different and change, but if you recognize them as they are – an normal ebb and flow of love – you’re doing so much better than most people out there.
I love your picture and the quote!! (and John doesn’t listen to me either… EVER!)
Erma Bombeck baby, Erma Bombeck. Love the quote. Sadly I am not there. I am not married nor have I ever been. God willing, someday…but until then I am glad to know that there are others out there willing to go the distance and be unapologetically and unequivacally in love.
XoXo…Jil
i knew I could count on you, Jilly!
absolutely beautifully said Lacy!