Hanging Curtains

I just finished helping Nelma hang curtains in the formal dining room. I don't know why it would be called formal. It has never been used in that way and probably never will be use formally. We are just not formal people. I am at least, just as common as dirt. Nelma is not common, she is a "Pearl of Great Price," at least to me she is. But, I think maybe I am rambling.

We have been in our new house for almost two years and we still don't have all the curtains up. I suppose one could assume the reason it is taking so long is that we are just slow. On the other hand we have never owned our own home before and being in our late fifties it is kind of nice to just take your time. So I think it is alright to be slow this way we can enjoy the process together.

I guess that since this is our first home then new home may not describe it properly. Yet, it is new and it is new to us so, yea new home is correct. During twenty six years of our married life we lived in homes furnished by the church. Some of the houses were nice and some were not. We were always thankful for what we had. Our children never lived in a house that belonged to us growing up. I am fairly certain that that was not something that traumatized them. They turned out quite well adjusted in spite of what some might consider a disadvantage.

It is a new experience for me being a home owner. All the new experiences like hanging curtains, landscaping and repairs are something I am not sure I enjoy. I am happy that Nelma has her own home that she can decorate. It is something that has brought her joy and because it brings her joy I am happy for her. Even mowing the grass takes on a new meaning when you own your own home. It is not something I really like to do, but it's my grass and that's a good thing. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Nelma willingly gave up many of the things that her sisters and friends took for granted through the years and one of them was a home of her own. She never complained and she ask for very little in the way of worldly comforts. We worked together in ministry for more than twenty five years. She clipped coupons, only bought clothes from the clearance rack(both of which she still does) and made due with what we had. She lost both of her parents while our children were still young. It was difficult for her, following me around from one small church to another in one dusty west Texas town after another. Never during that time did a grumble or a negative word came from her mouth.

Looking back I wish I had been able to give her more. She deserved it. I wish I could do more today, she still deserves it. She has truly been the best part of my poor miserable life. Her love is truly the nectar of life for me.

As I think more about it I know I am happy to help her hang curtains. I am glad she has a place to hang her curtains. Most of all I thank God for Nelma Rose Phillips the most fragrant flower that forever blooms in the garden of my life.

Bob