A bit sentimental

So, why is it that when my other half leaves town I become a bit sentimental? Guess absence does make the heart grow fonder in my case. How often I have thanked him for having a "normal" job that allows him to be home every night. I think he has traveled a total of 2 weeks in the 5+ years he has been at this job. Perhaps I get sentimental because I finally get a chance to watch sappy, girly movies... perhaps it is because I realize how quiet it is at night when I know he isn't coming home... the bed, which often seems too small suddenly becomes large... the noises of the house become louder... and in times like this, I realize what an amazing man he is (because sometimes that is easy to forget in the humdrum of every day life).

He and 6 others left tonight headed to New Orleans to gut houses for victims of Katrina. Our LifeGroup has desired to do a mission trip for about 5 years now, but one has yet to materialize. However, my precious man felt called to go to New Orleans. Having attended school in the southeast and having friends and family who felt the effects of Katrina, our hearts have desired to do something... and money and prayers just didn't seem enough. We had the honor of having a Katrina evacuee as part of our LifeGroup during his displacement. He is now back serving his church and the community organizing groups for manual labor and such. Clay got in touch with him and began working on the details of this trip... and they finally left today.

This trip seemed like a great idea, but it seemed like people weren't able to go. However, doors opened and there was a group of 10-11. Then things began happening (hmm, wonder if someone didn't want this trip to happen), and the group dwindled... but with another addition today, 7 people left tonight headed to serve people they have never met.

I am so proud of my husband. He is not one to initiate such things as this... he is a great supporter... works hard behind the scenes. He isn't much for details (except in his job) or being looked to as the coordinator of something. However, he felt called to New Orleans and he got busy. Yes, I did a lot of phone calling, emailing and such and some other people helped with other details, but he picked up the reins, started the entire thing, and kept us on track.

Maybe that's why I am a bit sentimental tonight... replaying various moments in our lives like a movie reel... dancing at Classix and him pulling me a bit closer, when he grabbed my hand under the blanket on the couch at his apartment, the first kiss, skiing at Winter Park, sitting in a park in Indianapolis with our feet in the sand talking about getting married, him down on one knee at Eckie's Pond, on the beach at Paradise Island, water skiing, being in the hospital room as our son was born, standing in our kitchen this evening before he left... there are so many precious moments.

While the bed will seem much too big tonight, I will fall asleep with a smile on my face as I bask in the blessing of my husband and our marriage. I feel so blessed to have him and the relationship we have... it hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade a moment because of the intimacy and oneness we have now.

Thank you, God, for these things and more I do not deserve.