The Sweetest Surprise

I have the sweetest husband...maybe ever. And now I'll prove it :D

A couple Thursdays ago, Johnathan said to me that we should go out on a date Friday night. I'm not one to pass up a night out, so of course I agreed. I asked where we were going, he said "it's a surprise". Me = excited! It was going to be difficult to surprise me because Johnathan had not been cleared to drive by his surgeon; thus, I would have to do all the driving. Eventually, he would have to give up the information to navigate us to our surprise destination.

When I got home from school that day, Johnathan was dressed nicely in a button up shirt and slacks. I knew at this point it was a big deal, this surprise he had planned :) So I went to our room, changed and we set off. Destination: Gastonia.

Now, at this point I knew two things: 1. We were going on a surprise date, and 2. There was a "surprise present" involved. Let's be clear: my husband does NOT do romance, or surprises or things of this nature in any kind of regular fashion. He's very practical, very grounded, and this is SO not like him (but I loved it, every single second!).

We get to Gastonia and park at the shopping mall (my destination of choice, always). He tells me we're going somewhere in the mall, but that I won't know until we get to the actual store what we're doing. So we walk on, hand in hand...I'm getting excited. We are on the top level where my favorite jewelry store is, and I'm starting to wonder if maybe the surprise present is something sparkly. I had asked for a necklace I had seen in the case there, and maybe this was the perfect time...

I was wrong. We got to the front of the store (which WAS the jewelry store), and Johnathan turned to me and said "We're here." He took my breath away (literally) when he said

"We're buying diamond earrings."

I was FLOORED. I couldn't believe it! Who was this person, and what had he done with my husband?

To be honest, I chose the most gorgeous princess cut studs they had in the store. They are amazing and perfect, just like the love of my life. I couldn't be more fortunate to have him in my life.

Johnathan took me from the store (earrings IN!) to Olive Garden where we had a quiet, romantic dinner. Over our meal, Johnathan told me that his condition has changed his perspective dramatically, and that life is short. And while it hurt a part of me, I was humbled by his words and warmed by his heart. This man I cuddle up to every night is stronger than anyone I know, and that makes me blessed beyond my wildest dreams.

Much love to you and all of those who love you. May they show you the love (or even part of it) that I am shown every day, so that you are as amazed as I am.