Sunday, February 20, 2011

An Airplane Ride


It is a first… I watched three episodes of the TV show House on part of a six hour plane ride. That left three hours for one nap, a trip to the bathroom, consume one bag of chips and now some time to write.
So far I would have to say this trip has been pretty crappy. Crappy you say? Yes! When riding an airplane is almost exactly like sitting at home, that is crappy. Airplane rides are supposed to be exciting and a bit scary. TV does that, distract from real life. TV access should not be allowed on airplanes or in homes for that matter. People on an airplane are suppose to be interesting and maybe even weird, but here I sit writing this and I realize I could not tell you what the guy on my right even looks like. I don’t know if he is tall, short fat or skinny. Does he wear glasses? I DON’T KNOW! See how bad TV is – at least for me?
I might add no distraction could keep me from noticing the lady on my left. She is exceedingly attractive and equally charming. This part of the airplane ride would be the opposite of crappy. I can describe her easily from the top of her head down to the bottoms of her feet and BTW that is not a very long distance, she is only five feet nothing. Of course I am married to this lady and it is appropriate I would know such things.
Here she sits her arm slipped around mine, her head on my shoulder. I sense her slow breathing more than I hear it. The cadence brings along with it a familiar feeling of softness and warmth. I don’t have to look at her to know the expression on her face or what she looks like, I have it memorized. The number of times this scenario has taken place – I wonder. Trying to be still is an effort, not wanting to wake her peaceful rest.
Over the years this lady has been on a long walk with the writer. She has put up with wonderful fun times, countless regular and mundane times, then of course those hard excruciating times – we won’t talk about those. My first girl friend she was. Back in the eighth grade we would sit together in awkward silence eating our lunches. Later in the tenth grade I would stay after school and be in the library where she worked, just so I could be near her. Those two years had transformed her into a lovely creature which was far beyond my plainness. But at least now we were friends and the awkwardness was gone. She now had a different boy friend but I would still spend time talking to her as often and whenever I could. She was for sure the prettiest girl in our small school, while I was still the smallest boy in my class and my big ears and buck teeth exaggerated the differences between us. Friendship was the best I could hope for.
Not feeling any different about myself, two years later, a fateful ride in my 1963 Ford Falcon, took my life in a new direction that has now included this lady in one way or another every day since.
She is still the prettiest girl I know and having her head on my shoulder is a real nice feeling, reminding me of a sweet ride years ago, in a baby blue 1963 Falcon. This is one sweet airplane ride.


14 comments:

Choco said...

I read all three posts. Again. And I feel she made the right choice.
It takes more of a man to praise his wife in such a simple yet heartfelt way, after so many years of being together. Makes us feel hopeful. About love. And life. Thank you. And God Bless. :)

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

This is so sweet, GQ. Thanks for such a touching post. I love reading about couples whose love is deep and genuine. I wonder if maybe everyone who is loved deeply doesn't at least on occasion marvel at the wonder of it. I know I do.

Sylvia K said...

You are both very blessed and the fact that you are very aware of how blessed you are is best blessing of all. I'm very happy for you both. It doesn't happen this way often. Have a great week!

Sylvia

Brig said...

I'm sure she cherishes you as much. You are special to put your feelings into words, not many would. Best to you both.

Pat said...

That was so warm and fuzzy, I loved reading it! It reminds me of my marriage, I am beautiful and he is unworthy! That fib even made ME laugh!
I know the feelings of which you speak. Aren't we blessed?
Thanks for sharing your blessings, I love to read of God's goodness!

Wanda..... said...

You are as good of a husband as mine. I'm sure your wife most certainly appreciates you. Nice to know another couple of school sweethearts still together and happy! 47 years of marriage for us.

Anita Jeyan said...

No words, GQ. She might be the luckiest woman I've heard of, to have a husband who knows the expression on her face without looking at her.

Mary said...

Wow, what a lovely tribute--beautifully expressed, GQ. I think your words are one clue to precisely what the lady sees in you :>). Thanks for an inspirational post--and yes, Mark and I are two more of the fortunate ones, after almost 44 years of marriage.

Shrinky said...

Wow GQ, who says puppy love doesn't last, eh? What a beautiful and heartwarming post, it sounds as though the both of you are well and truly blessed!

I agree about TV, it steals far too much time from life (unless of course it happens to be airing my latest soap fix of, "Eastenders", then the whole world can go to hell in a basket, so long as I'm left glued to the screen..).

AngelMc said...

OH CQ, how sweet. Read all three posts and loved them.

Carol Look EFT said...

This is so lovely!

Lynda G. said...

Are you alright? Missing your take on the world...

Dianne said...

I've been thinking of you

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

Brilliant! From TV to the love of your life while soaring high above the ground, in the clouds perhaps?