Dear Kid,

Sometimes one wonders. Sometimes one knows for sure. I know that Dad and I are Sweeties. But sometimes it’s not easy to remember.

Then he goes and pulls a Grand Gesture and reminds me all over again why he’s such a great hubby.

Just for the record, trying to pilot a tandem kayak when it is clearly my job to pilot the craft is not what I’m talking about.

Having our cabin on the cruise decorated for our anniversary and a cake waiting when we boarded is.

So is sneaking up to the art auction to buy a Romero Britto. (I felt quite comfortable investing in three Britto magnets for about $6 each when we were in Miami. He surprised me with a limited edition piece of art for me. Grand Gesture!)

Here’s the fun part. He didn’t tell me he’d purchased it. During dinner (Valentine’s Day, no less) he told me about the auction, described some of the pieces for sale, told me about some of the sky-high and waist-high prices, and talked about some of the auctioneer’s antics. After dinner, he wanted to show me some of the pieces he described, so we went by the art gallery. He pointed to a Britto that I’d previously admired and said, “Oh look. It sold.” (There was a sold sign on the frame.)

I looked at the Britto. I looked at him.

The penny dropped. I whispered, “You didn’t.” He nodded. I squealed.

Then I squealed a couple more times for good measure.

(I’m still squealing. But on the inside. Where it counts.)

Love, Mom