The Royal Treatment
We took turns telling my son, Ryan, how special he is to us on Father’s Day. Each one, with their own unique personality and style, shared their sentiments — some of which were hilarious. When it was my turn, I teared up because this man is a “chip off the old block”. He looks and acts like his dad more every day. Like his dad, he wants to bring his family joy and ensure each one is made to feel special to him.
I watch this man. He strategizes the seating arrangements, speaks to each one individually and makes sure we all get enough to eat. I said all that to tell you what else he does. When my husband was within ten days of passing on (we didn’t know that, but God did), Ryan promised his dad he would take care of me. I can’t begin to speak to what that looks like in terms of expressing his love to me each time I see him. He acts like it’s been months since we’ve been together.
All that to bring you up to date. On Mother’s Day, he and Shawntel gave me a most extravagant gift. The gift manifested Wednesday night. Ryan picked me up at my door and we went to Olamaie’s Restaurant. It was a meal fit for royalty.
The grand finale came at the new University of Texas Moody Center, suite seating, for a captivating, enthralling night with thousands of others as we delighted in the incredible, heaven-sent voice of Andrea Bocelli. Long ago, my husband and I agreed with Celine Dion when she said “If God had a singing voice, it would sound like Andrea Bocelli.”
When they gave me the Mother’s Day gift certificate, a flood of memories consumed me along with many tears. You see, on our 40th Anniversary, Ron and I took our Bucket List trip of a lifetime – Rome and a Mediterranean Cruise. One of the ports of call was Venice, Italy. As we slowly sailed through the canal into Venice (our Captain’s hometown), we held each other close on the top deck, enraptured in a “Pinch-me-am-I-dreaming?” moment. An Andrea Bocelli recording was playing. A flood of memories consumed this ole gal!
Please know, this blog is not meant to be braggadocious in any way. I share it with my besties – all of you, men AND women, who follow my blogs. Take what this blog is meant to impart. PLEASE embrace and savor the moments, the memories, the occasions of love – whether it’s your lover, a son, a family member, or friend. I recall some tough wherewithal times in our marriage. We needed something practical, like new mattresses or a new sofa, but those things came in second to embracing our love, cultivating it like it were a new crop coming up.
Take time for each other. Look into each other’s eyes and express how deeply in love you are with your significant other. Give them the very best of your time and attention. Let them know that they are the most important person in your life. I can relive over and over the most beautiful love affair with my husband as my son stirs up the memories in me.
I’ve always heard that you can tell if he’s a good man by the way he treats his mother. My husband treated his mom like a queen. And my son watched that in his dad. And his “apple” didn’t fall far from his dad’s tree. Men, let your sons see you in action with your love for your mama. I sent this note to Shawntel yesterday: “Mama Shawntel. You have four boys and I pray that their dad has taught them how to treat their mama. What a beautiful example they have. You’re going to have lots of dates. Thank you again, sweet girl, for giving me this special night with your man!”
Not, THE END. It’s just the beginning of sharing sweet love, God’s love, with those who need His love so much!