Thursday, February 25, 2010

Lunch Box Love Note....

February 25, 2010

Dear Don,

It seems appropriate to put a note in this very last lunch I’m packing for you to take to work. The very last one. I wonder how many there have been? Literally thousands I’m sure.

It’s ironic that packing your lunch was never my favorite chore. Leaning too hard to the efficient side, I liked it more once I realized I could pack several at a time. There’s something extra tender about this last one.

I want you to know today, as you spend your last full day at work, how much it has meant to me - to know the man you are, what you are made of, what you invested in your job; I was always aware that it was for us, even when it didn’t feel good. When I didn’t love the long hours I did love the reminder that you are a man who gives his all to whatever task is at hand.

I respect you more than any man I have ever known. I love you, but it’s nice to respect you too. I am immensely blessed to be your wife, to have you as the head of our family. You are leaving everything that is familiar, and a place that you have found your worth in for over 30 years. I hope you can walk away with your head held high, knowing you gave it everything you had, you treated people with respect when they didn’t deserve it, you looked out for those under you, you were kind when others weren’t, you swallowed your pride more times than you care to count for a higher goal.

Our family gave up time with you while you were working, but even when you weren’t home with us, you were giving our children a priceless example of work ethic, pride in self, a respect for authority. You showed them what being responsible looked like, and how to persevere when you wanted to quit. You enabled me to give our daughters an example of how to support their husbands in their career.

Now it’s time to play! You’ve given your best to your career for many years, and it’s time for the next stage, when our kids and their kids will be blessed to share time with you, learn more life lessons, get to know their father and grandfather at this next stage of life.

I’m counting on being blessed to pack a lot more lunches for you, but these will be tucked into a cooler for you to take on the boat, or maybe a fishing trip on the road with your son or son-in-laws, or me. Because really there isn’t anything in life I want to do that isn’t at your side. I’ve been blessed to be there for almost 29 years and I’m counting on us being together for that many more.

I love you,

Bev

18 comments:

My Purpose: said...

He is pretty great, huh? Good thing I don't have mascara on yet...

Kelly said...

Bev, this is absolutely the best thing you have ever written. Sums it all up beautifully. Enjoy this next phase of life... together!

Maria said...

Beautiful! Congratulations to your husband on his retirement and may God bless you both with much good health to enjoy the years ahead.

MotherT said...

Sometimes the last really is better than the first, huh? Beautiful post!

Gretchen said...

I have something in my eye...

Know that your love and example extends beyond your family. How you have blessed us all today.

God bless Don, and CONGRATS!!!!! WHOOPIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Robin said...

What a sweet thing to do! Married love - there's nothing else like it. I'm so trying not to be envious of you two!

Susan said...

Oh how wonderful :o)

Glenda said...

Beautiful thoughts . . . beautifully written! Best wishes as you begin the next exciting chapter of your lives!

Debbie said...

What a sweet, sweet letter - and a tribute to your love and respect for your husband!!!

Karen said...

Oh, Bev, that is just precious! Good for you for writing such an encouraging, affirming note to your sweet husband on such a monumental day in your lives! You are both blessed to have each other, and I pray for this new chapter of your life to be filled with an overflowing abundance of sweet, sweet, fun memories! (Can't wait to get you to Texas! :o) Love and blessings, Karen

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

ok I am crying...so very precious and sweet. And I realize I'm crying because my mother, her name was Bev too, never got to write this letter to my Dad after 33 years at Ford when he left. You 2 are blessed to still have each other!!!! Enjoy every day as the gift it is!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

He's a blessed guy that Don is. And you my friend...are a blessed gal too!

Praying that as you head off into your 'next'....you see God's finger-prints EACH step of the way.

You've worked hard...and I know you'll now play hard too.

Enjoy this next season of your life.

Susanne said...

I am now crying my eyes out. Thank you very much Miss Bev. LOL. That was beautiful and I hope there is many good things in store for the both of you in this new phase of life.

Sarah said...

PLEASE tell me you wrote this to put in his lunch, because we both know how often he reads blogs! He's going to love retirement!! Half a day left--it's hard to believe!! Tell him I don't think he's old enough to be retired; he's just getting started!!

Unknown said...

That is truly wonderful.

Truly.

It made me cry.

There are so many times when I have prayed over my husband, and thanked the Lord for a man who is loyal to Him and to me. And for a man who is leaving a good reputation for his children to inherit.

Congratulation to Don on his retirement and all the years he has worked so hard for those he loves.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Such bittersweet words, Bev. But mostly sweet. ;o)

And now the next phase of life begins. Texas, look out! Here come the Gibsons! ;o)

Deidre said...

So, so sweet. The best post I've read in awhile! Congratulations.

Barb said...

Thank goodness I don't have to talk over this big lump in my throat. I know this meant the world to him, almost as much as he means to you.

Our family was blessed the day you married Don. xoxo