Day 1: Rose & Dandelion

The time is now upon us to start this journey of 40 wonderful days before my bride turns a youthful 40. My whole reason for beginning this process is to give back to her like she has given to so many. A large portion of her job, which she doesn't even refer to as a job, is to help non-profits to become more successful in the community and in their drive to help those, for what ever reason, are less fortunate than us. She is diligent in her volunteer efforts, participating in benefit activities, and she even does Apheresis once a month through the Red Cross although it makes her quite sick. Her thought process is that if she can help save one or two people by donating, her being sick is well worth it. I have tremendous respect and admiration for my wife for always putting others before herself so I'm trying to give back to her a small portion of what she deserves.


Her head has been spinning knowing that I have been up to something and she has been trying to figure out what it may be. After requesting her weekly schedule earlier in the week I knew that she would be at her office for a 3:00 meeting therefore I told her to stay after and not leave until I arrived after my class that I am teaching ended at 4:30. Will (12 year old son) and I arrived with the Day 1 surprise, one single red rose. I choose to look at that single rose as I do the woman that I married. When it first becomes a flower it is closed but is still very attractive to the eyes and smells wonderful. Like her, as the flower continues to grow and open up it becomes more attractive and lights up a room. The rose was and is the perfect gift for her! Inside the flower was a note that instructed her to follow me as we left the station.

We drove to the market place downtown, and like typical downtown, had to park in two seperate places. Again, she was trying to figure out what we were doing and where we were going. We walked hand in hand behind the Will and Jordan (8 year old daughter) past every store until we got Dandelion Feet. For those who don't know Dandelion Feet (http://www.dandelionfeet.com/) is a shoe store that is owned by her friend Kelly, who also does a great deal for the non-profit community. I told her that when we walked in, since it was Day 1 then she gets to pick out one pair of shoes that she likes. Now, for a woman that would spend her own gift certificates on the children or someone else, hopefully she felt, if for just a few minutes, like all those that she has given opportunities or gifts to. She found a pair right away but like a woman, decided to try on every other pair even though in her heart she knew the one that she wanted!! Like a kid in a candy store I could tell the excitement in her voice and with a warm heart I proceeded to the register!

July 7, 2009

Day 1: One Red Rose and One Pair of Shoes

39 more .......