Flowers? Candy? Candlelight Dinners perhaps. These things are nice and every girl or guy
who wants them should have them.
However, after nearly twenty years with the same person, I have come to
value a whole different kind of romance.
For me it’s the ability to joke about technically not being legally
married—South Carolina didn’t rescind the law against interracial marriage
until 1996. We wed there in 1993. That might be why the Justice of the Peace
was smiling so broadly. It’s
acknowledging the fact that we have little in common, yet use our differences
to explore and grow together. Most of
all, it’s the ability that this one person has to bring me back to sanity when
I start to drift off in the wrong direction.
One of my most romantic moments with
my spouse took place over the phone. No,
there was no heavy breathing involved, although that might have been nice. Being the work-a-holic that I am, I was
wrapped up in work when my cell phone rang.
It was hubby calling to tell me that he had just spotted a bald
eagle. My first thought was to get after
him for driving and talking on his cell phone.
My second thought was to give him hell for interrupting me at work. But then something occurred to me, halting
all prior thoughts. Out of all the people
in the world, he had chosen me to share that moment with.
So keep in mind, anyone can give you
flowers, candy, or a candlelight dinner.
But developing and maintaining a deep bond that only the two of you can
comprehend is truly the epiphany of romance.
* * * * * *
Deneice Tarbox, the author of Healing Inc.,
resides in Maine with her husband and adult son. She currently
works in healthcare but decided it was time to delve back into her passion for
writing. Her mottos: Normal is boring and Laugh or wear a straightjacket. Visit her on Facebook.