Side by Side

For the last two days, my husband and I have sat side by side in our seats in the car. We are on the road. Our destination is southern Arizona. 

I love traveling by car with my husband. I call it our windshield time. Neither of us are going off to work, going off to do errands or chores. Instead, we get to be with each other for the duration of our time on the road. Windshield time is not a bad gig. 

For me, windshield time gives me time to admire my husband for who he is. I already love and respect him, but sitting next to him for 9-10 hours a day allows my mind to steep in those qualities even more so. 

For instance, my husband is a confident driver. His father was a truck driver and I’m pretty sure my husband has truck driving in his blood. The snowy roads do not scare him like they sometimes scare me. Nor do his toes curl like mine when driving through four lanes of traffic in larger cities. He is happy to be behind the wheel and I’m glad he’s behind the wheel. 

Also, he’s a very patient man. That was one of the qualities that attracted me to him in the first place. Not everyone drives as confidently as my husband. Consequently, when a slow driver is in front of us I hear him taking deep breaths rather than cursing under his breath. 

Not only do I admire his cool headed driving skills and patience, I’m still smitten by how well he knows me and yet, still loves me. 

He knows I’m not as up to date on current affairs as he is. But while he drives I read a recent nationwide newspaper to catch up on what he already knows. Then, I fire off my questions in his direction. “So who is this guy?” “Why is that policy so important?” 

I’m enlightened as well as educated by his insights. Even though the news is common knowledge, I’m not made to feel like an ignoramus when it’s not common to me.  

My husband also knows what I need when I need it and is never offended by my needs. He doesn’t zip by a rest stop without inquiring, roll his eyes when I suggest a restaurant that most likely serves “clean food,” or stick my face in a book for hours at a time. 

Why Bother?

Why bother being known and knowing each other? Being on the road and having windshield time lends itself toward being reminded that knowing each other and being known steeps us in a greater appreciation for one another.