A Healer’s Geste

The Greatest Matt

If you’re still single and reading this, I highly suggest adding to your list of spousal requirements “Family habit of making birthdays national holidays.”

My birthday, from the moment Matt had permission to treat me specially, became his “spoil Mystie day.” His original idea had even been to begin our courtship on my birthday, as the beginning of a long day together, but he couldn’t wait and we began courting in May. That first birthday was my 18th, and it began after classes, lunch with friends as usual, and then a surprise from Matt: he took me on a private airplane ride over the Tri-Cities. I had never been in an airplane at all, and it was so much fun! We went back to my house and he had 18 roses waiting for me (there was also a dozen from my aunt and uncle and a hope chest from my parents — it was a day of surprises). In return, I had him take me to the mall to the horrible punk/goth store in the mall, because they gave free piercing on 18th birthdays, and I wanted second ear piercings. Although I still like my second holes, I realize this was a moment where my Norweigen heritage won out over propriety and decency. That dawned on me as I sat in the chair, saw the stark contrast of my Matt in such a place and had the weirdo employee ask “Where would you like it?” I felt like screaming, “Sorry, Matt!” Instead, I meekly said, “In my ear, above the first…” hoping Matt hadn’t heard his question. Really, I should have paid $15 and gone to Claire’s. :) He married me anyway.

Every birthday since Matt has given me roses equal to my age. Today he has the easiest time: I am an even 2 dozen. Yesterday I told him I wouldn’t mind staying 2 dozen from here on out. :) I have also previously mentioned the idea that after 2 dozen a rose bush would be acceptable…eventually that’d be a whole lot of rose bushes, though; if I could manage to keep them alive, that is.

Today Matt got up early, managing not to wake me, and made me scones, eggs, pancakes, and coffee. I woke up, realized Matt wasn’t there, then smelled scones coming out of the oven…it was lovely. :) My morning present was 2 CD’s (songs purchased from iTunes, burned and illustrated by Matt): Caedmon Call’s Long Line of Leavers & Derek Webb’s (formerly of Caedmon’s Call) She Must and Shall Go Free. I really like them. :) Matt has received new music and purchased stuff off iTunes that we both like, but I think these are the first CD’s of music I‘ve received in years…I needed that long of a break after the hobby CCM was in high school and my subsequent disallusionment and disgust with it. Now here is some new stuff that is actually theologically sound and not sappy and…I like the guitar. :)

Matt and I will go out to dinner tonight, Sarah P. let me request the treats for Bible study tonight (strawberry cheesecake!), and after I opened my present Matt said “that’s the only present you get today…” :)

[Edited to add:] I posted this too soon! But 30 minutes later, Hans came running to me (he had been drawing at the table) to say, “Mom! Lady knocked on our door! She has package!” Roses! 24 red roses! Since we’ll meet for dinner and then go to Bible study, Matt wouldn’t be able to give me my roses today, so I was assuming I would get them tomorrow. I should have known my Matt better. See, my subject was appropriate. :)

My birthday is the day Matt makes sure to make me feel like his princess again; and he has managed to do it in the midst of diapers and potty training and dishes. I love you, Matt. :)