In the years I have been with my husband, one thing became very obvious. He was a meticulous man. From his bathroom shelves, to his closet, everything had its place. He wanted things done right. He long told the children that it would always save them time to do things right -the first time- and if not, they would end up having to do the job all over again.
I always liked this idea, at least the part that pertained to the kids. But, me myself, am not always so meticulous. My home may seem clean, as long as you don't open any closets or look in any drawers! Many times, this theory of being meticulous was something that I had to work towards and as I did, I realized that it is just a matter of slowing down. I noticed that my husband took enjoyment from what most would perceive as small taks. Not being in such a rush to get a task over with, and to give the task full attention.
Still, because of my husband's skill of being meticulous, there were just some things he was better at. I remember one time, I wanted a small button sewn onto a silk robe, so the robe would stay closed. I decided to hurriedly sew on the button. When I did, it looked as if the button had been tied onto the pretty robe in a messy knot. The button hung there loosely and within a few minutes, had already fallen off.
"I can't do this." I told my husband while handing him the robe.
"No problem." He said, taking the garment.
He then sewed the button on for me. It looked and fit perfect. From then on, he became the Official Button Sewer and Hemmer in the family. Same goes for any present wrapping. My presents look as though I wrapped them with my eyes closed, while standing on one foot. His, on the other hand, looked as though they came, pre-wrapped from Macy's. So, on every birthday or Christmas, it became his job to do all the present wrapping. He was the Official Present Wrapper. The only thing my hubby asked for, in return, was big kisses! Easy!
Halloween became his task as well. During his off hours from work, he spent weeks in advance working on the children's costumes. He made some fantastic outfits for the children. He created cowboy outfits, biker outfits, head-on-a-platter outfits. All, very meticulously thought out, down to the smallest detail. My hubby became so involved in this part of his duties, that in advance he would arrange for time away from work, so that he could go to the children's school and help them complete their costume for the school's Halloween parade. The only thing my hubby asked for in return, was a picture of him with our kids. And, of course, a kiss from me.
My hubby always took the children trick-or-treating. He would load them into the back of our 4-Runner, and put the back-hatch down. He would drive a few blocks and let the children jump out and run to the houses. Then, back into the truck they jumped, onward to the next few houses. They stayed out there doing this for hours. At the end of the night, all would have runny noses and red cheeks from the cold and wind. When they arrived home, they would find the house glowing with candles and lights, the smell of chili and cinnamon rolls. They would dump their pillow cases, filled with candy, onto the kitchen floor. Where my hubby would sort through and inspect each one for them. The only thing my hubby asked for in return, was two pieces of candy from each child, and a kiss from me.
A couple weeks ago, our youngest child and I were walking through the store, looking at all the Halloween costumes. I asked him what he wanted to be and he shrugged. I shrugged, too. We were both clueless as to where to begin. It's three days before Halloween and we still do not know yet. For now we are just going to wing it. They sure do miss him, and I miss those kisses.
