story of one afternoon, celabration of 8 years

The whole family was carting around together on one lovely Saturday.  In sweltering heat.  With a fussy little girl babe.  And two fidgety, fighting boy children. 

{Just setting the stage to justify what's coming}.

We headed out of the grocery store and down the long parking lot aisle to our vehicle.  My vehicle really, but Jim was driving because that's the way we roll when all together.  So he fished the keys out of his pocket (finally!), which irritated me because I, of course, always have them poised & ready for a quick unlock job as we exit on a hot day.  He clicked, but the doors did not unlock.  Which irritated him, because he, of course, would never let his remote unlocking mechanism become so disasterized (see picture above).  So words were exchanged.  Both of us instantly on the defense AND offense - we're talented that way.

And then we fought further upon our next realization.  My vehicle won't even start without first clicking the "unlock".  Doesn't matter if it is already unlocked, doesn't matter if you have the right key, the engine will only start within 30ish seconds of the click.  So it seemed we were stuck. 

{And let me refresh the scene - grumpy kids, grumpier parents, searing heat}

But at least I, proficient genius that I am, could unlock at the doorpad.  My fingers deftly keyed in the code.  I would get us in.  Except it didn't work.  He, remarkable memory that he has, nodded his head in humiliating dismay.  He would never forget his code.  So more words were exchanged.

And then. 

I peered in the car.  You know, the one that had spent a good 7 minutes as stage for our tantrums and victim of our pokings.

It wasn't ours. 

A quick glance down the row revealed my white Ford Expedition.   Sideboard lights ablink with all our clickage.

Jim's eyes met mine.  And we laughed.  And laughed.  And suddenly - our follies spotlighted in this ridiculous situation - we were no longer angry. 

***

a note to Jim:

Today we celebrate 8 years of marriage.  Which I think is ridiculous.  Because we've obviously been married for more like twelve trillion. 

I realize it may take double that time for our stubborn selves to master patience, longsuffering, holding of tongues, holding keys at the ready, humility, et. al.  But I'm here for the long haul.  Because - even in the midst of sweltering heat and daily mayhem - I'm left to lock eyes with you at day's end. 

That's something I wouldn't trade for twelve trillion picture perfect days.

Thank you for {patiently} being mine.

Comments

[Vella]

I love it. Real life. Congrats on the anniversary. You and Jim were always meant for each other.

[Jill S.]

Great story!

As for it taking double that time, I'm thinking more like triple. I'm on year 17 and still want to ring Randy's neck some days.

[sista#2]

So fun to see you at school! Look at my blog -video of our band :) ciao

[April]

oh I loved this post.

p.s. this time of year, I blame everything on the heat.

[Kirstin]

I can totally relate to the "keys at the ready" habit. Shiloh get's my evil eyes when he delays starting the car on a hot day too. It's hard not to be impatient when the sun is melting your body, right?? :)

[Angie Ras]

Love it. Happy Anniversary (late).

[Megan]

So so funny. I wish I could have been there to see that. But I can only imagine how frustrating at the time it must have been, I hate the heat, and standing in it for any longer than necessary is miserable, even for the enjoyment that this story probably brings you now. I think that was a run on. And it might not make sense.
Hope you're enjoying school, super awesome school teacher!

[Emily]

:)