TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND

From SEEDS OF JOY, 10/10/1995:
(This entry began with a picture of an overripe full moon; that is, the western edge had caved in a bit...pen & ink drawing.) "Brian's birthday #48. Warm winds outside to caress him when he rises. Such a good man, devoted to his family and his faith, to music and gentleness, to the earth and the dance of life, playing his fine strings. I wish for his next year an ever deepening awareness of his unique nature and an ever expanding knowledge of the web of life that enfolds him. I pray for his health, for more ease, more music and the experience of Gratitude ever present in his daily life."

October 10,2010: My dear Brian and I headed to Seeley Lake, Montana (see earlier posts) for a weekend of ease with our dear friends, one of whom shares Brian's birthday, and has been his friend for over 30 years. We drove up, up, up a mountain to Morrell Lookout, above Seeley Lake, above Double Arrow in the high mountain warm afternoon air. The view was stunning: all my favorite colors spread before us like a crazy quilt of golds, greens, beige, browns, and occasional chartreuse. Rather than go to the lookout, we turned north and began a steep ascent to a summit. I hike pretty well on flat ground, but marching up hill I found myself quickly out of breath. I was surprised, generally not experiencing short breath until quite later in a hike. Then it dawned on me: I'm a flat lander, and I was hiking at 8,000 feet! Brian had less trouble and forged ahead, turning to wave to me when he reached the top.

The day itself felt glorious, and the frosting on the birthday cake was a young man that came along. He's a master rock worker, somewhat quiet while very attentive, and his sky-blue eyes melted any doubts about his integrity. He was also a mountain goat, walking far ahead of everyone, and naming the ridges and valley he had already hiked. He's a fearless snowboarder as well. I don't remember the last time I spent an afternoon with a twenty-seven year old who enjoyed the company of elders. He was quite a treat.

I also watched my beloved husband who is so at ease in the world. He manages a million dollar budget, nine employees, and oversees five buildings during his work week. He is a Libra who has a wonderful grace with people, and is a total clown with children. He quietly pursues his music, tai chi and devotional singing. He negotiates our demanding household and romps with the dogs. And another of his shining attributes: he laughs out loud. It's a contagious laugh, and I find myself laughing too!

I have had many privileges in my life, but he is the most astounding. We met in 1974 and married in 1990. And every year we understand each other more. My wish for him this year is the same as it was in 1995: health, ease, and increasing Gratitude.