Blown Away.

Earlier this afternoon, I was reminded of exactly why I fell in love with and ultimately married my wife.  Not that I needed a reminder, mind you, but I found myself mindful of her greatest attribute nonetheless.  It is her heart.  Her heart, is incredible.  Today, I watched her carefully cut her client's hair into a much shorter style, and not because her client was ready for a change or because she wanted to spice up her look for her husband.  It was because she has cancer.  She is going through chemotherapy, and her hair is falling out.  In clumps.  I watched Melissa tenderly comb through the thin, matted mess of what used to be full and healthy hair and also watched it fall in chunks to the floor as she did so.  I stood close by, mostly just as moral support for the client whom I've come to know just over the last few months[and who is an absolute sweetheart with a gentle soul], and to keep the spirits up with jokes and stock comments like "the important thing to remember is that it's just hair, and that it will grow back".  Internally, I was thinking how hard this must be for her and what a shock to the system it would be if it were me in that chair, much less a woman.  Melissa did the necessary work, while helping and allowing the woman to maintain her dignity and pride.  I saw her[Melissa]blinking back her own tears at times, and knew how terrible she was feeling inside.  Melissa has such a wonderful way with people.  She impresses and moves me.  She makes me want to draw nearer to her, so that I may learn to be more giving of myself.  She is a true inspiration to me, as well as most who know her.  The way she lifted this fragile woman up today, and brought such a calm strength to the table, just really struck me.  Melissa is a hair stylist, but is so much more than that really.  I have a distinct feeling, that most of the people who come to her come for what they get out of the time spent with her, even though a haircut or color is also thrown in as part of the deal.  She is an amazing woman, with an incredible heart that must make our Jesus smile.  I can honestly say, that I took a step back today and remembered why I fell so deeply in love with her in the first place.  One of the byproducts of falling by the way, is that you are left to look up.  I can tell you assuredly that this afternoon, my wife gave me a reason to look up to and respect her for who she is, what she does, and the way she loves.  I thank God everyday for this incredible partner in life who not only meets all of my needs and desires, but who truly blows me away.