I Gave my Love...a Colander?

My dear husband is not exactly the best gift-giver. So,weeks before Christmas, I usually start hinting to him about potential gift ideas for me. I'll say things like....

"Gee Hon, did you see the lovely earrings they have at the jewelry store in the mall."

or....

"There are so many new books at Barnes and Noble that I'd just love to read."

But over the years, I have learned that this tactic is not an effective one.

I struggled for a long time trying to understand my husband's lack of ability to understand "hints". Was he just being stubborn? Were the items too expensive? Did he need to have his hearing checked?

It wasn't until my son, Weston was diagnosed with ADHD, that I finally learned how to understand Pete.

I am not a doctor but after listening intently to our pediatrician discuss the intricacies of this diagnosis and after researching every book and professional article ever written on the subject, I am now convinced that like my son Weston, my husband, Pete, also suffers from ADHD.

His lack of ability to understand hints and innuendo, his need for constant movement and activity, his love of video and computer games, his impatience, anxiety and impulsivity, all these symptoms now make perfect sense to me, thanks to my eldest son.

It wasn't until last Christmas that I received an official confirmation.

There under the Christmas tree was a large box wrapped with beautiful holiday paper. It was addressed to me. I was stunned, what could it be, I thought to myself? I was so happy that my husband had finally thought of me. He had actually put a lot of effort into wrapping the present, as gifts from my husband usually come in plain white envelopes or wrapped in plastic shopping bags.

Was it a music box, maybe a snow globe, a lovely figurine?

"Nope," my husband said. I would just have to wait.

Christmas morning finally arrived and I opened the present quickly, anxious to see what my unusually thoughtful husband had so carefully selected for me. I ripped off the paper, tore open the box and starred at my present in disbelief as there inside the box sat this....

an ordinary colander

I looked curiously at my husband. Was this a joke? Was my real present cleverly concealed underneath this kitchen utensil? No, nothing underneath....

My husband looked at me and smiled, quite pleased with his purchase, certain that I was going to love it. Now I must admit, it IS the most beautiful colander I have ever seen. It is shiny and metallic, almost too expensive-looking for draining pasta or washing lettuce. It actually sparkles under the light.

"I know you needed one," Pete said, "and this one just looked so pretty. When I saw it, I thought of you."

It was then that I realized how fortunate I truly am to have this wonderful man in my life.

 

He does not place value on material things. He does not try to impress others. He sees the beauty in things that may appear ordinary to others. But most importantly, he knows just what I need. Whether it is a long silent hug, some straight forward advice or just a single comment that breaks my tense mood and makes me laugh.

 

By embracing the beauty of this simple colander, he made me realize that he is the perfect father to our two children diagnosed with special needs for he truly sees what others cannot.

I realized that like this ordinary colander, I too am an ordinary Mom with an ordinary function. But to my husband I am not like this colander because it is ordinary, I am like this colander because I am an ordinary Mom who is also bright and shiny. To him, I sparkle, to Pete I am one-of-a-kind.

I use this colander a lot. And every time I do, I laugh out loud. I think it is hilarious how this shiny, beautiful, ordinary kitchen utensil that I use every day is what made my husband think of me.

Now while I do appreciate my one-of-a-kind colander, this year I have a new tactic for Christmas, I am just going to hand him a picture of this:

I hope this time, he gets the hint.

 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year



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Lisa Peters writes about family life at www.onalifelessperfect.blogspot.com. Thank you all for reading and supporting us throughout the year.