The room was dark except for the flicker of light from the large TV screen. Outside the winds howled, whistling down the chimney. Evening was upon us and soon the door to the garage would swing open. When it does, the love of my life will fill the entryway with his 6-foot 4 frame. All these years later and just thinking of him makes my heart skip a beat.
Sometimes when I least expect it, I remember the day that changed my life like it was only yesterday. Every sight, every sound etched in my mind. We met at a job interview. I was looking to change careers, he was looking to hire an accounting clerk. The meeting took place in a large conference room on one of the upper floors of a massive office building. The entire room was made of glass. There he stood, with his back to the door, staring out the window, deep in his own thoughts. You see it all the time in the movies. Girl walks into the room. Boy turns around and time itself stands still as their eyes meet. Love at first sight. Not as crazy as it sounds. I got the job. Three weeks later we were married. That was 40 years ago.
It’s been an amazing adventure. What’s the secret to a strong marriage? Respect, honesty, fidility. Those are important. Forgiveness is equally important. Most of all, don’t be afraid to fight. If you can’t speak your mind, you are in trouble. Arguing takes trust. Trust that it won’t turn ugly. Trust that the other person won’t walk out. Trust that when it’s all said and done, the love is still very much there. And you can’t do that if you don’t invite God into your marriage. Life is a journey. It really helps if you happen to be going in the same direction.
Couples in a long relationship have their own way of keeping it together. I once met a man who had been married to the same women for over 60 years. I asked him what he thought the secret to their success was. He said men and women are wired differently. It’s important to recognize those differences. Men have a need to fix everything. So when a woman comes to a man with a problem he naturally wants to fix whatever it is. Women don’t necessarily want a man to fix things. More often than not a women just wants to be heard. So they have a signal. His wife holds up her right hand. This means listen – just listen. Don’t respond, don’t comment, and don’t offer advice as to how to fix things. I thought that was good advice. Tried it on my husband. It didn’t work since he felt he could offer fresh perspectives. And he was right – some of the time. So while I rattle on, he listens, then responds. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I just pretend to agree. That’s worked well for us.
One of the most beautiful things that a strong marriage provides oddly enough is the silence. No need for words. No need for noise. Simply being together, wrapped in the quiet companionship. For is in that stillness God speaks to our hearts.
A quiet night deserves a simple supper.
Tomato Bisque Soup and Mexican-American Grilled Cheese
2 cans Tomato Bisque Soup
1/4 cup Heavy Cream
6 Basil Leaves
6 slices Sandwich Bread
3 tablespoons Mayonnaise
6 tablespoons Cotija
6 slices American Cheese
3/4 cup Pepper Jack Cheese
Empty soup into a pot. Warm gently over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add cream, let simmer until ready to serve.
Snip tender basil leaves from the sprig and set aside to garnish the soup. Warm a griddle to medium-low heat.
Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of Cotija Cheese over the mayonnaise, press down to adhere.
Place 3 slices of bread mayonnaise side down on a work surface. Top with 1 slice of American Cheese and about a quarter cup of shredded Pepper Jack Cheese. Top with remaining bread, mayonnaise side up.
Grill sandwiches on the griddle slowly allowing the Cotija Cheese to form a crisp outer crust with the blend of cheeses inside begin to melt. After about 3 or 4 minutes flip sandwiches over and continue to grill unto golden with the cheese all gooey.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Place a couple of basil leaves to float on top of the soup. Cut sandwiches into triangles and arrange alongside the soup.
Serve and enjoy.
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom
and cured every disease among the people.
Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 