31 May Say It With Crystal

Him: Are those flowers real?
Me: When’s the last time you brought flowers to your wife?
Him: I’m not married.
Him 2: Did he say those flowers were real?
Her: They’re real. I can smell ’em.

Subway Conversation, Thursday Afternoon

When it all began.

I’d been lamenting over what to get my wife for our 15th anniversary. Fifteen is crystal. But we’re not crystal types. Being the good gift giver that I am the bar is always set high. And, as good gift givers know, it’s not the money; it’s the thought that goes with it that really counts.

Now, I could go crystal but it would have to be so bad it was good. Know what I mean? So kitschy that we’d laugh and she’d place my trinket in a special place of honor. Every time we’d look at it we’d laugh and she would be reminded why she married me (or maybe she’d first remember and then laugh).

Time was getting short. I felt the pressure. So much so I was resigned to consulting female coworkers. Yes, that close. Coming up with a good gift is an art. It can’t be forced. But as I walked through the 8th Street open-air market on Thursday I spied my rock solid fallback plan. Saying it with flowers should not, cannot be underestimated.

What is it with flowers? Women succumb to their fragrant charms every time. Yet those same female coworkers have reminded me: “it’s the thought, you clueless man. It’s the thought. It shows you’re thinking of her.” And so I am. Thanks ladies.

So, when I walked through the door on Thursday with my bouquet (the day before our anniversary, I might add), her reaction was wonderfully predictable: “Oh Jeff!,” she cooed. This, gentlemen, was a very good sign.

Yesterday, as I stood in front of the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate this event with the kids (tonight we’ll celebrate with our own romantic dinner for two), my wife and the girls arrived with a small package. My youngest, the ever-eager gift-giver, couldn’t wait a second to spill the beans: “Wait until you see what Mom has for you!” I was asked to close my eyes and hold out my hand. When I opened them I was holding a real crystal, a very special one from Susie’s father’s collection (he was an avid collector of rocks and minerals).

It will occupy a special place in our home. But laughing will be the farthest thing from my mind.

Related Post: For you romantics who can’t get enough: Such a Match!.

• [ Marriage, Wedding Anniversary, Crystal ]