Things My Husband Taught Me

Let's face it ladies - as much as we don't want to admit it, our significant others have taught us a lot over the years. Some of it is actually useful! ;)

Over the course of our courtship and marriage Maddy taught me many things. Early on I learned not to be nice and wash his pickup. He was very particular about that. I learned not to call him while he was watching a movie. I learned how to sleep with a fan going and with a lumberjack next to me.

Seriously, I did gain some new skills from him. I became more knowledgable about electricity and the whole power distribution process. I learned about different farm machines and crops. I now know the names of many different tools and how to use them properly. He taught me to run a weed eater, lawn mower, power driver and drill, change a door knob, and grill supper. I shot a pistol, rifle, and shotgun. I helped him do other things, like change a faucet and ceiling fan, but I don't know that I would try that on my own. I became somewhat adept at fishing and identifying what was on the hook, but I still didn't take them off by myself.

There were lots of other practical things I learned from him, but the best things he taught me weren't DIY or maintenance skills. No, the most important lessons were much more personal and long lasting.

He taught me that I deserve to be cherished and showed me what that should look like.

He showed me how to be a best friend, to listen, to keep confidences, and to be present.

I learned how a hug can melt the stress away and provide unbelievable comfort.

I know how it feels to be loved unconditionally.

I know the joy of laughter, the fun of teasing, and how to anticipate the awful pun.

He taught me how it feels to be protected and safe,

Because of Maddy I know what security and trust feel like.

I learned how to be content just sitting next to him and not doing anything.

He taught me about Christ and showed me how a Christian should strive to live.

I learned you can say a lot by being quiet.

Unfortunately, the one thing he never taught me is the lesson I need the most right now. I never learned how to live without him. I had practice when he was off restoring power in other states, but the longest time we were apart was two weeks. During that time I wasn't totally without him because he would call every night and sometimes in the morning, too. Sometimes I still expect the phone to ring before I go to sleep.

What I have figured out in the past year is I can take all the things he did teach me and use that knowledge to forge a new path. I know how to love and I'll take that and try to spread it to whomever I meet.