"When you leave, be sure to lock the door because your mom is
here alone and we want her to be safe."
As crazy as it may seem, this is what love feels like to me. Not only was Rene' concerned for my welfare while he was at work, he was teaching my son to look out for me as well. This may not speak love to everyone, but Rene's love and protection for me and modeling that for Brennan is a language that my heart understands.
There are times that I wish Rene' would bring me flowers, or say romantic things or sweep me off my feet Rhett Butler-Scarlett O'hara style, but that is simply not his way. Rene's way is the subtle, under-the-radar things that may not seem like a big deal at the time, but add up to demonstrate his big love for me. He puts gas in my car so I don't have to go to the gas station, he does the dinner dishes every night because I cooked, he kills bugs, spiders and even the occasional dust bunny just to make sure I am not creeped out. He helps my son with his car, he listens to my daughter when she needs an ear, he mows my Dad's lawn, he is faithful to me, he is faithful to his family and, most importantly, he is faithful to God. Every morning, Rene' kneels in prayer and intercedes for our family. That is love.
So, I don't get bouquets of flowers on days they aren't expected. I don't get poetry, or songs composed in my honor, or husband-initiated romantic evenings out. What I do get however is far better and actually quite priceless. In Rene' I have found a foundation that frees me up to be who God intended me to be, knowing all the while that behind me is someone who loves me, who is there for me and is always making sure the door is locked so I am safe.
I don't miss the flowers at all.
