Crystal has always supported me unconditionally. When I got a new job, she insisted that we celebrate. If anyone ever made the mistake of saying something negative about me, she would jump to my defense. When I was down, she would remind me about all of the positives. If I would make a good play in softball, she would turn into a one woman cheer leading section. I know she is like that partly because her mother was like that, and partly because she is just a positive person.
I on the other hand am more pragmatic. I give constructive criticism when needed, and generally don’t react with overt emotion. Monday, Crystal put on a program about Harriet Beecher Stowe at the local library. She has been preparing for it since 2003. Not only did she have more than enough information for the hour presentation, but used her hand sewn art quilt depicting various events in Stowe’s life. She was wearing the period dress that she made with hoop skirt (she could barely enter the room) and bonnet. She received a rave review from the roughly fifty people and library staff in attendance. As I watched from my chair, hidden in the corner of the room, I noticed several times that I was smiling. I don’t think Crystal noticed. I couldn’t help myself. I was just so proud of her. I think I was still smiling when she asked for my help in holding up some of her displays.
She wants to continue to do this program for other groups. She knows she doesn’t have to ask for my help. I will be there. I will help her promote the program and add a page to this blog. I think one of the most fun opportunities that marriage provides is the opportunity to support your spouse. I am not particularly interested in the Civil War, quilting, or dress making, but I love to see Crystal succeed in doing whatever she wants to do. If I can help her, that’s just the icing on the cake.
Keep watching this web site to see how her Harriet Beecher Stowe page develops.
Crystal’s Corner
I wanted to add that Ron has been encouraging me to get ready to present this program about the life and works of Harriet Beecher Stowe for a long time. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other health problems which has made it difficult for me to do a lot of things. His support and positive energy about this program has helped me to get it ready and to do it. He and my daughter, Lisa, helped me carry everything into the library and set it up. He also took flyers around the community to alert more people to the program and helped me set up a window display in town as part of my writers group. I did see him smiling while I was doing my program and he took photos also (some of them are here). They helped me take everything home as well. I know I will be doing this program for a long time and I can count on his support.