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Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Voice I Live With

The voice I live with -- it could be an actual, audible, voice....or it could be the silent, still one. There are times it works both ways. It's been with me nearly 12 years. It's the calming voice that stills me when I'm irritated and worked up. The voice of confidence that speaks to me with determination when I think there is no solution. The voice that speaks up to me when I've done wrong. It's the voice of my partner. He's quite the man. And this post isn't really all about him in general terms -- it's about his voice to me. What it does for me. How it keeps me in line when it needs to.

You know, there are times in one's life wherein we need someone else's voice for a wide variety of reasons. We need help, advice, consolation, admonition, reason. And, many times, simply a voice to talk with, talk to, listen to. For no reason at all. There have been times that I've been wrong (imagine that). He has told me so. He has had to speak to me and tell me that I've made wrong decisions or that I've mistreated someone. He tells me when I'm out of line and and when I'm heading down the wrong trail. I mean, he lets me go as long as he can under the "you're an adult and should make your own decisions" rule. But we all need someone, anyone, friend/family, to speak up when we're clearly down a dark road. I can't imagine him standing by, on the sidelines, and simply watching me sort every single thing in life out for myself -- observing me without an opinion or the freedom to yank me back from the brink of destruction. I'm glad he speaks up when he needs to and doesn't simply let me run awry. I can't imagine spending my life with someone who stands on the sidelines, watches me, and never has a thing to say. I love his integration in my life.

There is his voice of quietness which he's very good at. Or his smiling voice that makes any room a better place to be in. He cares so deeply for others. He brings joy when I hear his sweet inflection. When he says "good night" to me at the end of each day, I know he means it. And even if it's on the phone, I know that his voice has the ability to connect me to my life, his life, our life. I can tell when he's stressed because of worry in his voice. He can hide very little from me because I know his voice. I know it well and have heard it many times.

So, I'm thankful for this sounding board in my life. His voice. The protection is affords me, the happiness it brings me. We all need it. I need it. The voice of someone to lend us hope when there is none, strength when we don't have it, and peace when we are wondering where it has gone. For his voice I am thankful.

9 comments:

Java said...

What a beautiful tribute to him, and to the relationship you two have.

Larry Ohio said...

Awww, that's beautiful :-)

Doug said...

That is really touching.

Will said...

Lovely--and about love which it is so obvious you have in abundance. As of this last week, I'm so happy to have met Blair at last and to know both of you now.

Will said...

Lovely--and about love which it is so obvious you have in abundance. As of this last week, I'm so happy to have met Blair at last and to know both of you now.

Lemuel said...

That was a very nice tribute to your husband. We all need someone in our lives who is as honest and as loving. You are most lucky to have him.

Andrew said...

That's a really nice post. You two sound great together.

Anonymous said...

What a gift to have that voice in your life. There is just something about the voice of one's beloved that I would have said is indescribable... and yet... you did a great job here. Lucky fellas!

Mark in DE said...

A creative post, and a lovely respectful tribute to your husband!