Quiet. So quiet. That was the key, I was sure. So gently and quietly I placed my sleeping baby down for the night. Nice bath with lavender soap, fresh diaper, full belly, burped, rocked; the recipe for some rest. She was sound asleep, but within the time it took me to use the bathroom I heard her ensuing cry. It grew in a wailing crescendo.
I scooped her up, settled into the rocker, and texted my husband, “I’m stuck now. Goodnight.”
I got into a rhythm as I rocked back and forth, slowly adding along a pat that fell into place with the back and forth motion of the chair. I thought of my spouse, and I missed him.
I missed him. I missed time together. God, I missed time alone with him.
It wasn’t anything special I desired. I didn’t need a romantic dinner by candlelight, or even a lusty romp in the sheets (though that would be nice). I just needed him; I needed the time to speak more than a passing, “how was your day, dear.” I longed for substantial conversation, but more than that I simply desired to sit in his presence, enjoying the joy and peace that presided when we were in the same room together for more than five minutes.
Within moments of sending my text he replied. He replied back with much encouragement, a little bit of humor, and special sentiments of his love for me. I realized in that moment, as I read his affectionate words, that we would be ok.
Love can keep a couple close even when distance keeps them apart.
Love can hold a relationship firm even when circumstances are shaky.
Love can make you laugh when things are completely unlaughable, and it can bring a smile when you just wanna cry.
Love can withstand tumultuous upheaval, and serve like a constant buoy in uncertain seas of change.
Love can persevere through pounding storms, and feel like a welcome, warm blanket when the rain finally ceases.
Love can serve as a bridge, connecting hearts when passing situations of life try to serve as a divide.
Love can act as a strong foundation when hard knocks come pounding at your door.
Love remains constant when circumstances change, and it serves as an anchor in all seasons of life.
Real love. That’s what it does. And in that moment, that moment where I missed time apart with my spouse, I knew we were good. Things would settle out eventually, and our lives would return once again to the way they were.
But I also knew that it would be different. We would be stronger. Because that’s what love can do. It takes difficulties and uses them to refine relationships.
And until things did return to a new normal, our feelings would not falter. They would remain constant.
Because that’s what love can do.
Barbara Allen says
Beautifully written, Brie. Love ME