When I saw my husband over 23 years ago walk through the door of the family restaurant where I worked as a server, I knew he was the one for me in his blue-and-white-striped short-sleeved button-down shirt, blue pants and white shoes (remember, we’re talking late 80s here). But here’s the kicker–we had never met, and I was dated someone at the time. Yeah, I was 19 and totally basing this on his appearance.
A fellow server, whom he knew, introduced us. We chatted as I took his order. He left, and I didn’t know if I would see him again. The next night, he came back. He sat in my section and didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave. I learned he was home on emergency leave due to his mother’s illness. He left, and I didn’t know if I would see him again.
The next night, he came back. This time, when he checked out, he asked if I had considered a pen pal. By this time, I had learned he was a Marine stationed about six hours south of me. I couldn’t write my address down fast enough.
We wrote for two months, sharing stories, telling secrets. This was before email so I had to wait an agonizing long time for a new letter. Each time I found one in my mailbox, my heart did the Lindy Hop.
My new pen pal came home two months later, and we started dating.
During our 18-month long-distance relationship, he wrote me beautiful letters, gave me books of poetry, bought me jewelry, and sent flowers. Those gifts were special and touched my heart, but his words were what I loved most. One of the most special gifts he has given me was a love letter written on a piece of peeled birch bark. He found a downed tree while on a fishing trip with his dad, wrote the letter, rolled it like a scroll.
Another gift that is precious to me is a cedar chest he made from old black walnut flooring. He took scrap and turned it into something beautiful that holds our precious treasures–my dress from the USMC birthday ball, his letters tied with a ribbon, baby shoes from our boys.
This month, that handsome Marine and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary.
Over the years, he shown his heart with flowers, gifts, words, but two weeks ago, he gave me one of the most supportive, romantic gifts–he read Lakeside Reunion.
Lakeside Reunion is the story of my heart that I dedicated to him. His act of heart is the most romantic gesture he has shown.
Your Turn: What is the most romantic gesture your spouse or significant other has done for you?
What is it that makes simple SUPPORT such a romantic gesture? In 28 years, my husband has shown himself to be more romantic than the romance-writer (me). When he changed jobs, last year, with a significant cut in pay, the absolute FIRST thing he said to me was, "You ARE going to ACFW this year." I'm pretty sure I cried.
It was so good to talk to you at ACFW, and hear from YOU about your hubby reading your book! What a blessing we've been given!
How romantic! I loved reading about you and your Marine, as well as Regina's supportive hubby. The most romantic thing my husband ever did happened when I was feeling overwhelmed. He arranged a dinner date, but surprised me with a visit to the Birth Center where both of our children were born. We talked about how far we've come and where we're headed. Everything came into perspective that night.
I commented on your fb note too! This is so touching and gave me chill bumps!
I think the most romantic gesture, at least lately, is DH spent 2 hours during his work day trying to get a private tour for me at the Chicago Tribune as a surprise! Research! He may not understand what I do, or "get it" but he "gets it"! 🙂
That was such a great story, Lisa. Ah, sigh!
Regina, I LOVED seeing you at ACFW, and now knowing the story behind it, I'm teary-eyed. Thank you for introducing me to your hubby. He seemed like such a nice guy. You two make a beautiful couple. His support of your writing makes me go weak in the knees. 🙂
Cynthia, what a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Life can be so overwhelming at times, but leave it to our special someones to help us see things through fresh eyes!
Oh, Jesse, that would be such an amazing gift!! How sweet of your hubby to do something so thoughtful! A true treasure, indeed!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thank you for the peek into your real-life romance, Lisa. What a wonderful husband you have … and I know from reading it that Lakeside Reunion is a must-read!
Lisa, thank you for sharing your story. It's so important to look for those romantic gestures – my husband is a master at this (like yours). I LOVED your book and have already been recommending it!
I loved hearing about your real-life romance, Lisa. You found a keeper! Happy anniversary.
So sweet! I'll never forget when I walked into our bedroom and saw my manly husband on the bed reading my Heartsong Presents novel. We have great husbands. No wonder we turned out to be romance novelists. 🙂
Awww, thanks, Beth. I think he's pretty great. 🙂
Edie, those romantic gestures is what keeps that spark alive. Thank you so much for recommending my book!! I'm thrilled you liked it.
Thanks, Keli!
Julie, that's so sweet!! He's definitely a keeper!!
No wonder you write romance! Lovely, sweet story.
My romantic gesture from the guy I've been dating for 13 years? On the 11th anniversary of when we met, he hid 11 Zero bars all over my house because I love Zero bars.
My hubby knows of my love for brewed teas (black and herbal). He told me to pack for a weekend away, without giving me any details. It ended up being a romantic road trip stopping at five tea houses / bed and breakfast spots up the East coast, where he had already made high tea reservations for us each day. And yes, he sat in those girly-girl tea rooms and sipped black tea from flowered china cups. I love my guy.