Saturday was my birthday. My “me” day. I got a bacon sandwich for breakfast, my choice of jobs decorating at church (I LIKE lighting the tree, maybe this wasn’t about my birthday), lovely gifts from my family and a fabulous dinner out. Oh, and I squeezed in a little writing time. A good day.
But my favorite part was a gift from my husband. What could it be? Jewelry? Writing accoutrement? Books? He’s a notoriously good gift-giver, so I never worry. And it was . . . a pitchfork. A really, good one, too. Now, before you groan and think he flubbed things this year, let me tell you I loved my gift.
And here’s why: I have a compost pile. Jim does NOT like the compost pile. I think to him it’s just an ugly pile of organic trash. He wishes it were further away from the house. He wishes I actually disposed of grass clippings, leaves and kitchen leavings rather than adding them to the pile.
But I defend my compost pile and not too long ago mentioned I wished I had a pitchfork to turn it. I knew there was good, fully formed compost under there, but it was going to take a lot of work to get to it. So my darling man bought me a pitchfork.
Except it’s not really a pitchfork.
It’s a man who listens. It’s a man who embraces things he doesn’t like just because I do. He fries me eggs (he can’t stand runny yolks). He watches Downton Abbey once in a while. He cleans toilets. He buys me a pitchfork for my compost pile and puts a big, red bow on it.
Nope, it’s not a garden implement at all. It’s love.
Meet Sarah
I love your perspective on the pitchfork. It’s not just metal and wood that he bought, but unconditional love and acceptance. I felt the same when my husband told me I should go to ACFW, even though it would be a big financial sacrifice. It wasn’t the airplane ticket, or the registration fee he offered – it was his unflappable hope and belief in my writing and my dream. I went to that conference with more than my confidence, I went there with his, as well.
I hope you have fun turning that compost! 🙂
I love your turn of phrase, “I went to that conference with more than my confidence, I went there with his, as well.” Ah, amore!
I’m glad you realize that your gift was an example of true love. I’m struggling a bit with trying to express that kind of love back to my best friend. It takes a LOT of thought and planning, and an intimate knowledge of what truly makes him happy!
From what I know of him, he’d probably like a pitchfork, too!
Happy belated birthday!
Thank you–it was pretty great this year!
Wow, attitude and gratitude…. you’ve done well, Sarah!
You strike me as the kind of woman who can appreciate a good farm implement as well ; )
First, I did not know you have a compost pile! Second, he gets you milk that you love. Third, he is one of a kind and I love his thoughtfulness and sense of humor. Also wanted to remind you that my favorite (and most used) gift from you is the Smith and Hawkin hand tools you gave me… and the gardener’s soap that came with them!
How could I not have a compost pile? If only I had a garden to throw scraps in . . .
I am not sure if I love this post or the comments more. 🙂 I’ve got a man who listens and thinks too. We’ve been together for 10 years and it’s the first time in my life (I’m 59, with an 18-year marriage behind me) (long behind) I feel cherished. It’s a marvelous thing, that. (I also have a compost pile. I’m in a subdivision so it’s in a little bin. Between that and the recycling company, I put so little in my garbage bin that I only put it out on the street every 4 or 5 weeks. 🙂
I got lucky the first time out of the gate. Though I think Somebody was looking out for both of us!
No garden? What do you do with the compost?
We have flower beds, I just think of vegetables when I say garden.