Thursday, January 28, 2010

Friendship, Love and Pink Roses

Pink roses…the sight of them will forever be associated in my mind with my husband.  Since I came very close to losing him last Thursday due to a heart attack, I wanted to do this table setting to celebrate a love and friendship that has spanned 35 years…and it all began with pink roses.

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We grew up together, living about 3 miles apart, in a little rural area. When we were children, we couldn’t stand the sight of each other. I thought he was horrible because he always seemed to be making fun of me and was so mean to me. He thought I was a loud whiny brat.

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All of that changed when I was about 14 years old and he was 16. On Valentine’s Day that year, a lady that lived down the road from my home brought me a vase of the most beautiful pink roses. She wouldn’t tell me who had sent them to me and she would only smile when I asked her. The only thing written on the card was a “?”. After a day or so of driving myself crazy wondering who in the world would send me flowers, my mother finally told me they were from him. Talk about being shocked!

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Of course, being only 14 years old, I was too young to date. However, my mother did allow him to drive me straight home after church every Sunday…wow, a whole quarter of a mile from the church to where I lived. I was finally allowed to actually go out on a date with him when I turned 16.

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We stupidly let differences separate us for about 7 years while we were in our 20’s, but we eventually made our way back to each other. We’ve been together ever since, raising 4 children and so far, welcoming 3 grandchildren into the world.

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I hope I have many more years with him by my side. I hope when we’re very old and gray, we’ll be sitting out on the porch rocking in our chairs, reminiscing and watching our grandchildren play. Until then, we’ll just sit at the dining table…enjoying our time together and the beauty of pink roses.

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The chargers were hand painted for me by a very talented artist.  Since I wanted to be able to use the chargers in Christmas table settings, she surrounded the pink roses by snowy pine branches and berries.  I topped the chargers with clear glass dinner plates and salad plates.  I added vintage pink stemmed glasses for serving shrimp cocktails.  Small pitchers were placed at each setting to hold individual servings of salad dressing.

 

 

9 comments:

Lori @ Dining Delight said...

Oh Dream! I'm so sorry to hear about your hubby. I certainly hope and pray he is going to make a full recovery. You have such a marvelous writing style! I loved hearing about how you two got together. What a gorgeous table to pay tribute to the special pink roses and your love. Those chargers are breathtaking! Gorgeous tablescape!

DD

Marigene said...

I am so sorry about your husband...he is in my prayers for a full recovery.

Your table is stunning...just beautiful, so romantic. Those are the prettiest chargers I have seen...and I am not a pink fan, as anyone that knows me will attest to!
Thank you for sharing, have a great weekend.

Lynda said...

Such a beautiful, romantic tablescape! May you and your DH enjoy years of bliss together. I hope he's well on his way to a full recovery.

Kathleen said...

K, I am so sorry to hear about your DH. I will pray for a complete recovery!
Your table is just so pretty and soft in pink..very romantic. I remember those chargers, they are beautiful!
I loved the story too..so cute!

The Tablescaper said...

What an incredibly romantic post. I'm so sorry you had such a scare this week, and to think you've been together for so long. It teaches us all to cease the moment.

- The Tablescaper

Debbiedoos said...

Those dishes are gorgeous! All that pretty pink is just so easy and soft on the eyes!!`

gigharborscrapper said...

What a wonderful story and a beautiful table. I would love to know who painted those amazing chargers and if they sell them.
Thanks for sharing
Valerie

Just a dreamer said...

Your love story is incredible, table is luscious (soft spot in my heart for pink"). I just recently purchased individual knife holders (arrived this Tues., can't wait to use them. Your table is "my kinda table" Just love it. Jackie

A Perfect Setting said...

I loved reading your story--I just found your blog it is delightful. Your tables are so beautiful, I adore the chargers. Your romance sounds very similar to mine. I met my husband when I was 13, we will celebrate 27 years of marriage this year! Beautiful story and beautiful table!!