Wrinkles, ironing board and where do you put the socks?

A very painful issue with my back has prevented me from completing daily activities recently. Trips to the doctor, pain medicines, injections...oh, the misery of it all! I am thankful God gives wisdom and knowledge to doctors who can help me feel better. I am discouraged by the length of time my body takes to heal. Yet, while the pain and grouchiness settle into my body, I pause and find moments to laugh.

My sweet husband has been taking care of day to day household chores. Both of us have been amazed at all he has learned. Things like learning where my sock drawer and underwear drawer are located. We each have our own dressers and he never has reason to open mine. But this past week, among many daily tasks, Alan has washed laundry, folded and put away our clothing and prepared and cooked many meals. He has learned about locations he never knew existed.

"Oh, that's where you keep the socks?" or "Where does the underwear go?" I have patience and try not to giggle too hard as he gathers clothing to wash and drops half of the underwear and socks on the floor as he carries items to the washer. He is working hard, completing each task without a single complaint. What a great guy!!

When he looks at me with the sweetest smile and says, "Can't you wash the dark color clothes and the white clothes together? That would make things easier." , I have to chuckle.  I explain the reasoning for "sorting" the clothing. He understands and continues helping.

One of his biggest accomplishments during this time has been ironing. Watching Alan pick up pants and shirts that are wrinkled, holding them in the air and giving the once over, up and down gaze, he states, "These look okay. I can wear these pants to work."

"No dear. I am not sending you to your professional job with pants that look like they have been sitting in a wet ball for years."

He agrees and begins to learn to iron. Once again, patience is needed. Patience by Alan and by me. He learns to use the iron slowly and even though making one pair of pants look good takes him a while to accomplish, I am proud of him. I think he is happy with his progress, too, but will be happier when I am feeling all better.

Yes, I am blessed with a very kind, compassionate, caring husband. He may not want to learn to iron. He would wear wrinkled clothes everyday if he could. He doesn't complain while he asks "What's next? How can I help you?" What a true gentleman! Thank You God, for this man and his caring ways.

So, if you ever have a time when someone else has to take over your daily routine, give thanks for helpers and remember to find the giggles along the way.

Blessings,
Mimi