Lavish

Our first date was a group hike to Rattlesnake Falls. We met on the river. He proposed next to the whitewater rushing by us. On occasion we claim they stole the movie title from us "A River runs through it." One of our favorite hikes was near the Nanatahala River and a cute little artsy coffee shop. It was in that shop that I spotted the most beautiful stained glass fairy angel EVER. I inquired about the price of this exquisite art and then slowly turned away before the clerk saw my foolish mouth agape. I casually mentioned that it was simply stunning as we walked out but stated clearly that I, a user of ninety-nine cent shampoo, would never consider buying it.
After dating for a few weeks we decided to go on a backpacking trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. We camped next to a lodge on the eve of my birthday and so we leisurely strolled over for a  luxurious hot breakfast made by someone else. I browsed the gift shop before we sat down and thought it could use a bit of work. We ate our eggs benedict when I noticed the waitresses coming over with a candle in a muffin alongside a wrapped box. I immediately sent up a prayer: "Please God help me to pretend to like whatever hideous gift this sweet soul has purchased for me at the pathetic gift shop. Lord, you know I can't hide my feelings and I rarely like any gift someone else picks out but just this once help me to fake it. Amen."
So, when I opened the box and pulled out THE ANGEL from the little shop in North Carolina, for the first time in my life I was speechless. I think there may have even been some stuttering and a few tears. You see at this point my sweet darling had spent almost everything he had to take this trip. He was working 60 hours/week and trying to survive. I knew what it had taken him, not only to afford to pay for this token of love, but to carry it for 20+ miles in his backpack through the wilderness without breaking it. This man was a keeper from the very beginning.
What he gave me still ranks as my favorite gift of all time but what is even more incredible is what is says about the giver.
He loves lavishly.
He loves with all of his heart.
He has more feeling in his elbow than I have in my entire body.
He defines generosity and sacrifice on so many levels.
This man I get to call my own.
My sweet valentine.