She amazes me.

Since today is my wife’s birthday, I thought I would write about her. I really am amazed she is still alive today. Over the years, I have tried to kill her numerous times and she has done some miraculous things but somehow she managed to survive. None if it was ever intentional but things just happen. I am going to plead insanity though and blame it on getting hit in the head by the cast net weights. Those were the weights from the same cast net I bought her. Hmmmmm I wonder if that was intentional. She did however make a comment last night after reading my blog that; she liked the cast net and was only picking. She also wanted me to say thank you for all the birthday wishes.

She is much tougher than I am.

This “accident” happened before we were even married. She swears it wasn’t an accident. I accidently pulled her water skiing across an oyster bar. She fell onto the oysters and they cut her up badly. I never saw anyone bleed like that before. She never even went to a doctor though because he grandmother, “Nana” didn’t believe in them. “just take some cod liver oil and put some flax seed on it and it will be ok” She said. I guess Nana was right. Several months later, after many bandages and flax seed treatments, she was almost as good as new and managed to limp down the aisle to get married. I got some similar oyster cuts a few years later and I spent three weeks in the hospital and almost lost my foot.

She is also much braver than I am.

One day, we were driving through town and there on the edge of the road was a young boy throwing rocks at cars. He looked to be about 5 years old. This is an area where two highways meet and the cars usually travel around 45 mph. Diane shouted “stop the car” so I did. She then hopped out and grabbed the young boy. After a good scolding, they headed down a side road. I was petrified because this was not a good area to be in. It was known for harboring drug dealers and there have been lots of killings on those streets. To be quite honest, it is a black neighborhood and it is dangerous for white people to even drive down these streets. I rolled up my windows and reluctantly turned down the street to follow them.

She continued walking and leading this young black child by the arm. So picture this, we are in an all black neighborhood, and a white woman has a young black child by the arm and is dragging him down the street. I remember thinking; “we are going to die right here and now.” We were getting deep into some dangerous territory when they turned and headed up a side walk. Without hesitation, she opened the front door and walked right in. She then proceeded to wake this child’s mother up and scold her for not taking better care of her child. The mother who had passed out either from drugs, alcohol or both just stood there and took it. Somehow we made it out of that one alive but I will never forget it.
She is kinder than I am.

To some people she comes across as a little harsh but we know different. She does put up a good front, but deep down she is a softie. Now don’t get me wrong, she is no pushover and won’t back down in an argument but when it comes to children, animals, or people truly in need she goes out of her way. Let me explain.
She hates giving to those who really don’t need or appreciate her help. But when those firemen are out on the street asking for donations, she always gives. She has a fit when I say I am going to throw away old clothes and insists on taking them to Goodwill. She is the first to take up money for flowers or to help out a friend that is down or in need. She will also go out of her way to save an animal literally. I have seen her almost take out an oak tree to avoid hitting a squirrel. I am sorry but I have my limits and it would be “oak tree-1, squirrel-0.” She will do anything for our kids too and puts them first on her list. Do anything to or say anything bad about our children and you better get ready for a fight.

So here is wishing my “Better half” a Happy Birthday. I won’t say how old she is but as she puts it; “I am always younger than you are” I guess she has me there.



Have a great day,
Greg