As I Get Older...

I can understand my father so much more.  Growing up, I never really understood why he was still so helpful to my mother even after they divorced.  Why they would engage in long thoughtful conversations well into midnight...even years after they had split.  After bitter court battles and fights that would rival the greatest matches you could mention, they would always find a place to laugh.  A place of accord.  At times I have found myself in the midst of uncomfortable awkwardness when they would be in the same room...only because they would get giddy and silly around each other.  I never really understood him until now.  I guess I missed the deeper meaning everytime I heard him say "Your mother is a good woman".  He always told me she had her ways but that she was still..."a good woman".  Contemplating what's out there today...that says a whole lot.

I can now see that the wind in his sails was not only an enduring love for her but more so, a strong sense of duty.  As if to say..."If any woman on earth is worthy of any help I could offer, it would be her...SHE is a good woman".  Some women I know deserve the world and if I had it in me to give it to them, I wouldn't hesitate in the slightest.  I understand more so today that the value of a good woman is beyond priceless and worthy of anything a man can offer.  Some men don't know what they have and foolishly believe that toys and flowers are enough to keep their women happy.  Sure, that is until someone penniless comes along and wisely begins to tend to their soul.  At that point, it's only a matter of time.  Men, take a good look at the woman beside you, the mother of your children, your partner in crime, your bed mate...your friend.  Be sure and true NEVER to take what you have for granted.  Consider yourself blessed and let her know it...let her feel it.  When you look around and realize that she stands apart among women...you will breathe your sigh of relief yes, but don't stop there.  Gift your gift with all she deserves.  Even if the day comes that you are not a couple anymore...if she truly is a good woman, you will find that she will still be worthy of all you have to offer.  Be a man and gift your gift with more than just toys and temporary appeasement...gift your gift with you...