I'm watching the US success series This Is Us (89% Rotten Tomatoes...) and I am LOVING it. Are you watching it? Isn't it the most fantastic show? I think it is the normal people that this show portraits. The people who are very special at first glance but just happens to be like you and me, with the same struggles, same successes, same problems, same highs and same lows. With flaws, weaknesses and strengths. It is excellently captured. So perfect in its imperfection.
On Sunday night my washing machine broke down. Yep. Luckily I had caught up on some laundry, benefiting form the glorious weather we have had, but still... I needed a repair man "tout suite" because the thought of being without a washing machine is the same as a nightmare in a household of five. That machine is probably one of the busiest on the block. That machine runs 24/7.
Jay has been away working in Gstaad all weekend and came home this morning for a quick stop before heading on to London until Thursday. He could have gone straight from Gstaad to the airport in Geneva, but he choose to come home. To give the kids a cuddle and a squeeze at lunch break. To check out Luca's newly designed skateboard that he is so proud of. To say hi to me, have a coffee and a chat. Because that is what he does.
When he heard about the washing machine he jumped in the car and went down to the electronic store, came back with a brand new machine 30 minutes later. Because the old one was 9 years old and a repair man would cost half a fortune (as everything does in this country...), and we have had problems with the machine before. "We can't be without a washing machine for a week. The washing machine is infrastructure. We needed one anyway so I got us a new one." Because that is what he does.
We install the machine together and I ran a load of bed sheets to try it. I'm delighted to say my bed sheets haven't been this shiny and white or fresh smelling in YEARS, and I can't help but thinking of the This Is Us scene with Rebecca at the pub after a gig, when she totally lifts her husband Jack to heaven and above for his family commitment, selflessness, compassion and reliability (don't forget patience...). How she aknowledges all the hours of work he does to provide for his family and that he still always puts family first, making sure everyone has everything they need. How he makes sacrifices to make everyone happy and satisfied. Rebecca calls him her "Superhero husband". My Jay is too. A Superhero husband. I should tell him that more often...
Kärlek
Annette
Annette
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Annette I was so touched reading this, it brought tears to my eyes. I love your forthright writing which always encapsulates so perfectly just how you feel, for good or bad. (Amazing that you do this in your second language too, as it is a gift).To honour and respect each other for what they bring to a partnership is I am sure, key to its success. As a divorced mother of some years standing, we did not manage to do this. I am glad that you and others do. It's so easy to take one another for granted.
ReplyDeleteI hope you both continue to show that level of commitment, love and respect to each other and your family and have many happy years ahead. Everyone likes to be acknowledged and appreciated, your Jay sounds special but know that you are too - it seems like your husband does.
Hi
DeleteThank you for your sweet words. I'm so flattered about the comment on my writing. Thank you so much. Marriage is never easy, I think it is one of the biggest challenges in my life and it is an ongoing one. With mutual respect and reassurance that we matter and are good enough, we can get far, but it is also easy to get lost in the mundane everyday life. Thanks again for sharing.
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Annette
Disaster over. Well Done Jay. Jo x
ReplyDeleteYep! The machine is new and running! :)
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Annette
Yes, do tell him. it is really important. Wonderful story and fantastic husband, you are very blessed!!! Take care from Iowa
ReplyDeleteThank you Melody. I will tell him. I should tell him more often. Not just for him but for myself too. Thanks for visiting today.
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Annette
Oh my heart swelled reading this post. Such a lovely snapshot of your family life and I can feel your pleasure in all of those squeaky clean sheets and clothes drying in the sunshine. Just lovely Annette! Mel x
ReplyDeletep.s I'm looking for a great new series to watch also - thanks:)
Thanks Mel. So happy you are enjoying my rambles. You need a little bit of This Is Us. It is fantastic. Enjoy once you find a place to watch it. I watch it on BBC I think...
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Annette
You don't realise how badly your machine has been washing your clothes until you get a new one and they all look so amazingly clean and sparkly! LOL I'm loving my new washing machine (still not quite at the point of loving doing the washing and ironing tho!LOL)
ReplyDeleteALthough I wouldn't want a washing machine for my birthday, getting one like this on a normal day feels like a highlight to me. I have this crazy affectionate love affair with my laundry and washing and hanging it. Not so keen on the folding an dpitting it away, but there is ALWAYS a huge feeling of accomplishment when a load is done. Washing machines are magic.
DeleteThanks for visiting today and dropping a line.
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Annette
You're too sweet Fran. Thank you for those warming and uplofting words. So happy you keep coming back to visit over and over again.
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Annette