U Be A'ight....

Once when Jason and I were preparing to board a cruise ship we were feeling that strange sensation that occurs as travel exhaustion mingles with the anticipation of adventure.  I had thought about my children, who were not with us on this trip, for the nine bazillionth time that day. And, yes bazillion is a real number, at least to all the mothers out there who have ever stepped out of the house without the little tykes in tow.
Feeling tired, yet being entirely unable to remain still, I leaned onto Jason's shoulder and began smacking my lips obnoxiously in his ears. After years of marriage I find that this is one of my very favorite things to do as it both irritates him to pieces and permits me to sneakily breath him in. I adore the way that my husband smells. It is familiar and where his scent is, I am home. So, here I am purposely annoying him to pass the time and smelling him in public. It is the way our flirting has evolved over the years, and it is just as fun as ever.   Mere moments we would be on the ship, adventure bound, and ready for seven days of kid-free romance upon the sea.

"I'm thirsty.", I say to him still leaning into his shoulder.
The love of my life, father of my children, my very own knight in shining armour, the king of the castle, defender of my honor, and the guy that makes me late night coffee when I must stay up past bedtime, looks over at me and says the following as we prepare to embark on seven days of romance. Ready for it?

He says, "U Be A'ight."

Translation: You will be alright.

Repeat: "U Be A'ight."

I laughed. It tickled me to the core, but Jason is good at that. He is good at making me laugh and he loves doing it, which I have to tell you I appreciate more than I ever knew I would. It is good to be a woman who has the affection of a man. It is good to be a woman who has a man that tries....really tries....to bring a smile to my face. And because he tries so hard I am eager to help, eager to return that smile, becaue I know it means victory for him.  Anyway, so there I am laughing and still thirsty.
For a couple of minutes we teased back and forth.

"Don't you tell me that I "be a'ight! This is like our honey moon all over again. You couldn't have even said that in correct english?"

We boarded the ship, crossing over the elevated gangway. I was still going on about being thirsty and his immediate response to my need. Way down the deck, like a distant speck, there was a table with bottles of water upon it. My husband looks at me. He grabbed me suddenly, planting a kiss on my lips, and says, "Anything for you."

He goes running. I am not giving you exaggerated words here for effect. Jason Brabson goes running, sprinting down the deck, heading toward the water table. He is running victoriously, set upon bringing me water.  I stand there at the entry point, my ebarressed laughter greeting the boarding passengers. He is doging past people, nearly knocking down elderly ladies, jumping over small children, just to bring me water.

"Yes, that is my husband running madly down the deck.", I would say blushing and giddy.

A few moments later, wind blown, he returned.
Again, a kiss.

"Where is my water?", I asked eagerly.
"Oh.", he smiled. "It was not free. Can you believe they wanted four dollars!"

I stuttered. I was still thirsty. "But....", I began.

He interrupted with a grin.
"U be A'ight!"

That was almost a year ago.  I still hear "U Be A'ight" with some frequency and have said it myself too. It is good to have someone that loves me enough to remind that I will actually be alright.. I have a mate that goes to tremendous trouble to make me smile. It matters to him. I matter to him. Today, as we sat together on the couch completing the last home study interview we must do before Nannie can come home I thought of this memory. 

He does not read to me out loud as much as I would like him too.
He does not clean the house.
He does not understand my particular affinity for Van Morrison.

But, he makes a fool of himself so that I smile. And he is happy to do so.
Today, if you  happen to read this, remember to look for effort.  See in your husband everything that they do and not what they don't. If we look for love, we shall find it. Shoot, spread that out. Look for love in everyone you can.

At dinner that first night on the cruise Jason went through the buffet line.  As I waited in line myself I watched him without his knowing. He was really eager to pile on the unlimited breadsticks and cheese sauce. The first thing he did was fill up a mug of coffee and set it on his tray.
He does not drink coffee.....but his thirsty wife does.

Jason,
 
For the effort that you put into keeping a smile on my lips, I thank you.
I hope and strive to do the same for you.

The fact that I matter to you is one of the greatest joys of my life.
Know that you....YOU...matter to me and always will.
Ready for crazy Brabson kid number three?
I think we could use that cruise again soon!
I am "A'ight" because you are my husband. Thank you.

Katie