If you had asked me a little over a month ago what I desire most from my husband, I probably would have responded with some smart-alecky comment about his credit card or yard work. For some reason I have always believed that I wasn't the type of girl who needed mushy stuff like poetry, candles, music, and flowers. Give me a decent blender over a bouquet of flowers any day. Brian has almost always been the more sentimental one in this relationship. Sure, I try to be thoughtful, but sappy is not something I typically respond to...until now.

Maybe it's the distance - or the terrible thoughts about what he's doing out there that sometimes enter my mind. Maybe it's hormonal (no, mom, I'm not pregnant). Maybe I'm just frustrated that the only male affection I receive on a daily basis comes from the dog. Whatever it is, I've become a HUGE sucker for the sappy stuff since Brian left.

Take yesterday, for instance. For those of you who keep up with the site, you would have noticed that yesterday was our four-year wedding anniversary. Anniversaries are a BIG deal in the Morgan household. I figure every additional year we can make it without driving each other crazy is reason enough to celebrate. Brian and I are both big into gift-giving, but we decided from the start to stick to the traditional anniversary gift guide. This year, since we're in the UK, we're following the UK tradition of giving fruit and flowers for the 4th year.

Not only did I receive a gorgeous bouquet of flowers (that were divided into four quadrants, symbolizing the four years we've been married), and an "Apple" iTunes gift card, but I also received a poem with lots of adorable references to fruits.

Here's a quick excerpt for you:

So here’s an example of using imagination
Just think that pear equals pair (just a simple equation.)

So we’ll spend a ‘pear’ of nights on a quick getaway.
We’ll also get a ‘pear’ of tickets and go see a play.

I don’t know the ‘date’ so I can’t buy them yet,
(A ‘date’ is also a fruit…or did you forget?)

And there’s one more thing to sweeten the deal,
Here comes a promise that is very real.

Salsa comes from tomatoes which also count as fruit,
So we’ll finally go dancing; I promise it’ll be a hoot!

Okay, so he's not going to win any Pulitzers for it, but I was so touched by this gift that I couldn't help but melt into a puddle of tears. Honestly, I was glad he didn't send me an "Apple" laptop (next up on my wishlist), because this poem meant more to me than anything he could have purchased. Granted, I'm still holding him to the getaway, the play, and the dancing. You can COUNT on that!

Since my gift to Brian is still in transit, I'll let him share it with you when it arrives. I do, however, want to post the video I created in honor of our anniversary, because many of your faces are there as well. Our family and friends have blessed our lives so richly, and we are grateful for your love and encouragement throughout our marriage! Please continue to keep Brian in your prayers...especially as many of you enjoy the break for Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Anniversary, Brian, and thank you for humbly serving our God, our family, and our nation!