manly man

I  married  a young manly man. He loved to hunt and fish and play golf.  He  jumped from the highest tree swing into the river and looked great in cut off jeans. He became a family man and worked long hours to support our growing family.The kids grew up and are on their own. All those long hours were hard on his heart and he retired. Now we have a business that allows us to travel and enjoy our new life.

Last week, we were in an antique mall looking for merchandise, discussing item and prices,  A lady with a strong accent said,' Don't you love that your husband enjoys being here with you."  I told her that we had an antique business together that paid for our travel,  I could tell that she was jealous, I get that a lot.

Yesterday, Mark sat with me as the doctor was explaining my conditions and was really paying attention. We discussed diet changes that could help with borderline numbers,  and of course will help him also. Then we ate  a healthy lunch and while he took a nap, I worked on my journal and rested.  When He got up, we worked for hours, cleaning up the house.  Before he retired, I'm not sure he knew where the kitchen was.  But now he cleans the kitchen better than I ever did.  We took a late afternoon walk and ate fish, grits and veggies for supper.

This morning, we went for a hike around local farms and through the woods.  Mark  move the briers out of the way and check for snakes around the logs for snakes before we stepped over them.  He touched my shoulder to move me to the side when a huge dog came up to investigate intruders into his territory, while he talked gently to keep the dog calm.  When we got to the big road that led back home, he touched me again to lead me away from the road side of the ditch, with out saying a word.  After all these years, he still protects and provides.

I heard him say manly man under his breath as he tells me that he will clean out the fridge, while I finish the rest of the house.  Next, we go up town for groceries to cook for the family that are gathering for the weekend and  pick up our two precious little grand girls while their  mom goes to an appointment. He is holding the baby now and talking to the the three year old.

If a manly man is a man  that pleases his lady, then my man is the manliest man I know and the man that I choose to grow old with.  .