It’s Valentine’s Day and I feel the need to gush about the special man in my life. Anyone who reads our blogs on a regular basis knows about Martin. I didn’t realize until just now that I have him hiding behind sunglasses or a mask in every photo. Probably just as well. He’d prefer it this way.
Our relationship is one that makes the REO Speedwagon lyrics, “What started out as friendship as grown stronger” speak true. We met at a time neither was looking for anything serious. We wanted a friends-with-benefits arrangement. It didn’t take long before we both realized we really liked spending time together – doing whatever. It was six months after our first date that we realized there were genuine feelings.
Martin has seen me through my dad’s loss of vision and moving him into a nursing home, finding out my ex-husband is gay, my divorce, buying a new home, one job loss, two new jobs, my adult son moving in with me, becoming a freelancer, and menopause. Throughout it all, he’s reminded me of my strength, my resiliency, and told me how proud he is of what I’m able to accomplish.
His belief in my abilities sometimes surpasses my own. He encourages me to try new things, to take time for myself, and to have fun. He shows an interest in my work and how I do it. He’s curious about life and loves to learn. There are so many things I love about him.
We don’t make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day, but we do recognize it with cards. He’s at work this week. I snuck a card into his backpack before he left. Last night, I was cold so pulled down his favourite sweatshirt from the closet (mine too, because it’s snuggly and smells like him) and a card fell out. He knew I’d be wearing it at some point while he’s gone. With everything going on with his dad’s health, I didn’t think he remembered this year. It made me smile.
I smiled again this morning when he sent me a text to look under the mattress. There was another card. I don’t know why, but he has always bought two cards for Valentine’s Day, birthdays and Christmas. It’s his thing.
For so many reasons, he’s the perfect-for-me life partner.