Although he was working, and I was busy with five thousand things relating to children and their livelihood, we managed to eke out an apology via text. Unfortunately the stress of the day didn't end there. Within hours, there were important things to be done RIGHT AWAY while I was already busy! This led to more voice raising and arguing over the phone. (Isn't love grand?) By the end of the day, I was avoiding conversation entirely. I had shut down. So when Eric got into the car, I barely grunted at him.
Let me stop for a moment and just apologize to YOU, dear reader! Yes, I'm hot headed and impatient. I know you probably like to imagine me as an angel, and I AM an angel.... but I'm pretty human, too.
Anyway. We pulled up to a light behind an SUV, and I immediately noticed their tag; it said "YOUSMES". Now, I love deciphering license plates, but this one really made me smile. I didn't know for certain what it meant, but it reminded me of the baby talk Eric and I spoke to one another from time to time. I elbowed Eric and pointed to it, and we looked at one another apologetically and smiled. That was all it took. Imagine my delight when the SUV pulled into the grocery store I was headed to, and parked right next to us.
I rushed in to stalk, I mean, follow the guy. When I found him insdie the store, I asked him, "Can I ak=sk the meaning of your license plate?" He smiled, calculating whether I was a psycho or not, and then answered with a beautiful story:
That is something my wife and I say to each other all of the time, "yous and mes". Two years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and we are still battling it now. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to surprise her with the tag on my car, as a way to show her my devotion and love. She came outside and saw it and just started crying. I love her so much.
I was floored by the love in his face and voice. I thanked him for being willing to share his story. I told him that seeing his tag made me humble myself and apologize to my husband after arguing all day. I let him know that I would be praying for his wife and for him as well.
Sometimes we just need a wake up call. I've needed quite a few this week. But it's so easy to get wrapped up in stress and frustration and not have the grace to apologize for being an ass. Take this as your wake up call for today, and have a close look at any attitude you might have toward your spouse, or someone you love.