The retro black wall phone rings in our kitchen.
"Hello."
"Hey, Hi Babe. How would you like to go on a date?"
"I would love to go on a date with you sweetie."
Already visions of bruschetta, homemade ravioli with white sauce and sharing a sinful slice of flourless chocolate cake together are dancing in my head. I can almost smell the garlic and olive oil cooking...
"How about a really different type of date?"
Not even pausing in breath or does my brain take a slide to the left did I hesitate.
"Sounds great. I am always looking for different ways of doing life."
"Well, this is definitely about different ways of doing life and will require staying overnight. Are you still wanting to do it?"
"As long as we are together that is all that matters. Book it. When do I find out what the date is all about?"
"I will let you know on April 29th. Get Ready!"
Life went on, going to art class, laughing with brides and going on strike from all the dirty dishes in my own home. I pondered the mystery date. Temptation was strong to call hotels in the area and "accidentally" rifle through his papers laying right next to my husbands Bible. That black leather Bible pretty much put the brakes on any thoughts I had in the sneaky direction. Bright hot red and yellow flames licking and burning the soles of my feet always came to mind. Nope, better leave all papers alone to save my soul.
The day arrived and patience wore out.
"What should I wear to this date night?"
"Wear very warm comfortable clothes."
That didn't strike me as strange or bizarre. We constantly went out on dates in warm, casual clothes much to the disgust of our daughters. Our daughters strongly believe that a woman should be all glammed up if stepping outside for a date of any type. I don't own any Jimmy Choo's or Steve Madden shoes. I own Keen and have had Birkenstock's for years. My idea of a dream date is jeans, flowery shirt, pearls and a warm Polartec jacket. Not 5th Avenue or the Champs Elysees!
"You will want to pack a sleeping bag, pillow and something to read too."
This made me pause in my step. We are not the big happy camper couple. We have tried it and beat a hasty retreat back home smelling of smoke, campers gritty dirt and raging headaches. My husband must be losing his mind in small little doses to even sign us up for camping. I look at him and he is smiling. Not wanting to be a wimp and hoping they have "cleaned" up campsites and provide heavenly beds (!!!), I packed up my stuff a little more slowly and a lot more reluctantly. Not the date night I and Victoria Secret were planning on!
"Okay, I am ready. Where are we going?"
"We are going right up the street and stopping by a church."
This was not unusual since we pause, pray and attend all sorts of churches locally and whenever we travel to other cities or countries. Everything is chucked into the back of the car and my gut is tightening up with anxiety for the camping portion of this date.
Note to self: Have a heart to heart with dearly beloved about the big NO on camping unless the Ritz Carlton is opening up campsites.
Driving up to the parking lot of the church, my eyes cannot miss the big white van of EOC. A man is directing the van to park when he spies our car and lopes over to us. A huge smile and warm handshake greet me as I open my car door.
"Hi, I am David Small. Thanks for volunteering at the Overflow Homeless Shelter tonight. Your husband is my hero and it is nice to meet his wife."
"Thanks, its nice to meet you and this is a great way to have a date with my husband."
I really meant it too.
We had each other, our faith in the Lord and our children to sustain us through life's meandering paths of tall willowing green grass; prickly thorn bushes, foul stagnant waters and symphonic cascading water falls. Thanks to my sweet husband, who knew how to take a woman on a date and make her feel appreciated, blessed and very tired doing something so simple...the gift of warm human connection.
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