My New Roommate

We're back from the honeymoon. The Pickensssss are checking in.

You know how married people say that being married is different than you can ever imagine. They say, "It's not like you're just getting a new roommate. It's very, very different, you'll see." I'd hear that and I'd shake my head and say,"Hmmm? Really? It's that different, huh?" But, I couldn't really fathom what the difference could be. Well, I get it now.

It's not just about organizing (or trying to organize) two households into one, it's not about cooking dinner for each other or even figuring out what items I need to get out of the bathroom before he begins taking his morning shower. It's not about making two english muffins instead of one for the ride into the office. All of that is not so different from having a roommate.

It's more. It's about spending almost every moment with this new roommate and willingly making every effort to include him into "my space." It's not caring whether I've brushed my hair or my teeth before snuggling and chatting with him in the morning. It's secretly watching him decide what he wants to wear each morning. It's being amazed that I have to sit up completely to be able to see over his huge lump of a sleeping body just to get a glimpse of the time on the clock by the bed. . . It's feeling a warm bond blossoming between us that was barely a bud before we got married.

You know that wonderful instruction of 'Abdu'l-Baha's to married people -- that we are to become "as helpmates, intimate friends." Something happened to me the other day that flat out defined what he meant. I was driving alone to work, running late as usual. All I remember was my cell phone beginning to ring. As I looked towards the sound of the ring coming from my purse on the floorboard, I felt a crushing force against my neck and chest. Excruciating! And, what the hell was that horrible smell? And, how did my car get crammed up against the back of the car in front of me? I was stunned. I was just in a car accident and my airbags had just deployed!! Interestingly, before I determined that the person in the car in front of me was OK or even that I was OK, I felt myself continuing my motion to reach for the ringing cell phone. All I knew was that I had to call Pierre! Something bad had happened and I NEEDED HIM NOW! So, I called him, first -- then I got out of the car. People were asking, "Are you OK, ma'am?" "Yes," I decided. "I'm fine." And, "No, I don't need you, thank you. My husband, he's coming." And, minutes later I see my husband pull up and I allow myself to break down in his arms. As he talked to the police officer and the guy with the tow truck and as he began pulling all the stuff out of my car to put into his -- I felt shaken and bruised but never more secure and blessed. He's not just a new roommate -- he's my helpmate -- an intimate friend.

(BTW, I'm fine. But, the funeral for the Saab is on Monday.)

Comments

[Terry]

I really enjoy my new digital camera. :)
I took 500+ images over the last 24hr. period for Herb's 80th birthday party -
Ayamiha. I would have given ANYTHING to have had it for your wedding. :(
Much love,
Terry

[Terry]

We really missed you guys!
This weekend was wonderful!

[Saabowner]

How about a pic of that new Saab?
Much love.
Terry

[Sama]

Poor Saab :(

[kari]

U-N-A-N-I-M-O-U-S. Absolutely.

[shokufeh]

It is unanimous - if you are a woman (or maybe if you are not married to Charla), this entry brings tears to the eyes. Unless you cried reading it too, Pierre, and just didn't tell us - then it is unanimous, without caveats.

I'm glad you're okay, Charla, and have such a wonderful hubby.

[lacey]

I cry now.

[Leila]

Awwwww...that was the sweetest display of...hmmm...I don't even know what I've ever heard/seen/read!! I'm in tears and in awe of the sweetness!! Wow, nice one Char...!! I'm so sorry about the accident but am happy that you have a great man to lean on!! :-)

[Pierre]

Cutie of cuties,

That is just a small taste......

I love you my helpmate:)