The day began the day before, on June 4th, with a phone call to the Overton Hotel to cancel our reservation. Sweet Matt had booked a suite for us, but when he told me about the surprise I suggested that we cancel. I reasoned we should save our money for our upcoming vacation with the children to Disney World, and instead of leaving for the night we could spend our special day with them. Having no qualms with my decision, he happily canceled. Later on in the day, just before bedtime, he said he needed to run to the store to grab something. I knew that was code for "buy an anniversary card so that I have it for Marsi in the morning."
Now some women might be offended by this last minute purchase, but I didn't mind because I hadn't bought him a card. In fact, I went to the store with him! So there we were, standing in the card aisle at United picking out the perfect card for one another. Matt seemed more upset by the situation than I, saying that our apathetic action was an bad omen for things to come, but I disagreed.
"Listen, we like to have original moments, don't we? This is unique to us and we'll always remember this anniversary, above all others, the one where we stood side by side to pick out our cards for one another." I explained, but he still seemed unconvinced. I knew I must appeal to his practical side and remain excited.
"I found yours! It's perfect!" I enthusiastically announced.
With that, he selected the envelope to the one he was reading, placed the card inside, and returned my sentiment.
"Let's exchange here, then we don't have to buy them!" I emphatically stated.
"RH-EALLY?" he said, looking around to see if anyone was watching. Though cautious, I knew he liked the idea of saving money. When he was sure the coast was clear, we gave each other the card we had chosen.
He had decided on card that beautifully described our relationship and I had chosen one about his fine qualities as a husband.
After we read them I said, "Okay, now tell me what you would have written inside." Matt thought for a moment before offering up the most encouraging, appreciative words that made my heart smile. On my turn, I attempted a poetic rendition portraying my undying love, but poetry isn't birthed inside a supermarket; thus I turned to prose. I described how he is the most giving and unselfish man, who possesses patience and kindness, and I thanked him for being such a strong and successful provider for our family. I felt more love for him in that moment, than one in which I would have simply opened and read a card. This was authentic, this was a first, and this was us. We hugged, put the cards back, and hurried off to the bread aisle.
And what did we do on the big day? Matt worked but took a break to have brunch with me at IHOP. Yes, IHOP. It's what we wanted. For dinner I made spaghetti, and we sipped Merlot. The children ran screaming from the dining room when we stood to dance in the kitchen to our song, "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley. He kissed me when the song ended, and with that kiss our perfectly practical anniversary concluded.
Truly,
Cinderella
