Quiet, thoughtful and endlessly patient; when he spoke, you
listened.
Usually what he had to say was of import.
But he had an aversion to blondes.
No one knew where this particular sensitivity came from. An
unfortunate acquaintance.
A particular experience.
The true reason(s) passed when he did.
His wife, my Mother-in-Law (Ditto: MIL) was a small, dark-haired,
bustling person of chatter and good humour.
Living for family and household.
The two of them, together, created a world of peace and
calm.
Happy posterity and good food.
But there was one place where they differed.
Noticeably so.
Let me tell you about it . . .
FIL was a clean-shaven man. Never prone to going more than a
day or two without face scrape-age. Even during harvest, a time in which many
other rules and customs were sacrificed in favour of bringing in the
all-important crop.
MIL preferred it that way. She liked to see the lines of one’s
face.
But occasionally, FIL would tire of the ever-present razor
and declare that he was going to grow a beard.
Anyone within hearing distance would suck in an astonished,
slightly apprehensive breath and glance at MIL.
She would smile gently and announce, to no one in
particular, “Hmmm . . . I think I’ll dye my hair blonde!”
FIL would silently lift his newspaper and go on with
whatever had been interrupted.
MIL would go back to bustling.
And the conversation (so to speak) would die. Right there.
My In-Laws had an amazing rapport.
A friendship.
Companionship.
Truly loving relationship.
Even when they differed.
Interesting. Quietly heading off rebellion using one's partner's own aversions.
Only in the best of families . . .
Even when they differed.
Interesting. Quietly heading off rebellion using one's partner's own aversions.
Only in the best of families . . .
Is it just me or does he bear a resemblance to Wayne Gretzky?
ReplyDeleteHe does! An older, wiser Wayne Gretsky! Wish he'd pulled in the same wage . . . :)
DeleteExcellent camaraderie! What a delightful memory!!
ReplyDeleteThey were fun to be around! :)
DeleteThis is so cute. I do the same type of thing to my husband.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing!
DeleteCheck ... and ... mate! Smart lady :)
ReplyDeleteAnd done with a smile! :)
DeleteThey make a great couple. I often "mention" to my husband that I might cut my hair short - that usually stops him in whatever tracks I'm not liking!
ReplyDeleteHeehee! Perfect!
DeleteWhat a funny story! It's funny because I also tell my hubby the same thing sometimes. It seems he hasnhis own aversion to blondes but I happen to like beards so I use it for other things!
ReplyDeleteSmart lady! Whatever works! :)
DeleteHe: I think I'll grow my beard down to my chest.
ReplyDeleteMe: I'll pick up the divorce papers on my way home.
I think all (or most) couples have similar triggers and replies, and life carries on.
Heehee! Sooo true! :)
Delete