Andrew Eenigenburg once asked me what is the most romantic thing Ben has ever done for me... I thought about it for a moment, for I did not want to give just any answer, and eventually I decided upon not one, but many similar acts he has done/does for me: surprise me with fresh exotic looking tulips and a letter sweetly and sincerely written out of his heart for me. It was a good answer, everyone decided, and a great thought to consume my jumbled mind for a few moments.
Weeks pass, almost a month, we celebrated my birthday with tons of friends, some family, food, drinks, and plenty of laughter. The night came and went too quickly, in my opinion. I wanted to freeze-frame the dinner aspect of the night, where friends from my childhood, present, and even future came together to let me know how much they love me. Aaron rapped while Ben beat-boxed a little medley for my "big day." Kristin Fowler, my best friend ever since infancy, Laurie, my dear sister, Denise and Caitlin, my two closest friends, all graced my presence in such harmony to my heart, as well as many, many other dear friends. I was swimming and flying, at the same time, with love... and a little alcohol. The night was barely spent with one on one time with Ben, which I lamented, being that he's my favorite of all, but a promise was made to celebrate my birthday just the two of us in the near future.
Another few weeks pass. The near future presented itself last night.
I came home from a looooong day at work, my feet were angry with me, my back was moody, and my mind was exhausted. I lent Ben my key for the day so that he could take care of Bailey through out the day, being that he had the day off, and I was going to be gone for about 10 consecutive hours. He met me at my house, already had taken Bailey out for the night, she was fed and reared up to bounce and play. I crashed on the couch upon arrival, needless to say. We cuddled, fiddled on the internet, watched late night tv, and just soaked up each other's loving. My door was closed to my room with the light on inside, I thought that was strange but I also just figured it had closed over time, my mind was too tired to ponder or investigate. Eventually I got up to begin getting ready for bed, I told Ben I was going to change in my room, so that he wouldn't walk in, and after opening the door to my suspicious room I was met with a picnic basket laid gently on my bed, filled to the brim with sweet goodies only Ben knows I love and enjoy: hot red tulips, a bottle of chardonnay, roasted almonds of butter rum and sea salt, vanilla and hazelnut coffee, a vanilla candle, and a card. I was so surprised, so ecstatic! I yelled and jumped in a manner of excitement, and demanded Ben's presence immediately. He was so humble, receiving praises and "thank yous" left and right. He just kept saying "of course," "it's no problem," and "it's not enough... there's more." He said I am to be met with a surprise at my house today, at one o'clock, and I am not to leave my house at all around then. I have absolutely no idea what's to come, I can't believe there's more to his surprise. Excitement, mingled with angst is beginning to boil within me. He has completely outdone himself, I never saw this coming.
I am truly blessed with such a wonderful life: amazing friends, loyal family, and one romantically spontaneous, incredibly loving, Godly manfriend!
Ben, if you read this, thank you for yesterday, today, and whatever tomorrow brings.
"The life of man is the true romance, which when it is valiantly conduced, will yield the imagination of a higher joy than fiction."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
