A Great Catch (or Two)

Some women have all the luck...

We spend our lives looking for that one pearl in a sea of murky water and mucky sand. And these days, the right conditions in which to shape this proverbial treasure do not exist (in my opinion), which makes it practically impossible. But there are women with such riches. I consider myself one of them.

The treasure of which I speak is a good man.

The most cherished possession for nearly all women is a good man by their side. But how do we know if we have such men? What reveals their inherent natures to us?

My answer: Time.

Most men start out as rowdy little boys who later turn into rebellious teens. As they grow into men, the nurtured aspects of their character mingled with a number of external forces shape who they become.

A few hints: Do they face most sticky situations head-on with good judgment and moral principles? Are they respected by others? Who are their friends? Do they still associate with childhood friends (There's a wealth of information to be had from this one)? What are their parents like?

Of course, the answers to these questions aren't fool-proof; but they help. They are but a few signposts that guide us to the man our men are, and only Time shows us the rest.

Regrettably, today most relationships end before men mature into the well-rounded, ripened, colorful apples of our eyes. Metaphorically speaking, we take one or two bites and throw them away.

What a shame.

Moreover, numerous years of marital "bliss" also shape certain aspects of their character. If women (and men too) put more time and effort into their relationships, the men of which dreams are made may ultimately grow.

But don't lose hope ladies. They're not extinct yet. Magnificent men are out there.

I saw one today: Mark.

I've known Mark for a little over two years—since I moved to Georgia. I'd like to think that in that time we've become somewhat friends. Granted, I only see him when my truck breaks down. But lately, that's been quite often.

This morning, I dropped off my little red wagon for service again. My darling husband (and I) overslept and he couldn't drive me to the garage as planned. So, I went solo. And it was raining. Upon arriving, I told Mark "I'll just walk home." We discussed the enjoyment of walking in the rain for a spell, and afterward he said, "I'll take you home."

Ah, the mark of a true gentleman.

As he drove me home in the rain, he mentions the significance of today's date.

"Today is the anniversary of losing my virginity."

Wow!

Now, I realize that most of us probably recall the specific details of such a thing. But how many can purport knowing the exact date? Not many, I suspect.

During our conversation, I also found out that he married this first love of his and brought two children into the world. Alas, though, a few years later, he was divorced.

"To this day, she doesn't believe she was my first," Mark said.

I've never heard anyone mention the date of such a thing (Other than my husband, of course. He remembers most things.), and I've discussed it with innumerable men. In my book, this makes Mark an exceptional person. The fact that he remembers the precise day in which this happened merits an A+.

I believe him.

And if the man he's become doesn't prove some of the aforementioned points I made, I guess nothing does. He is kind, good natured, and honest among other things.

There is no doubt in my mind that as a young man Mark was incorrigible—most men are in their twenties. But today, he is a good man—a great catch.

Too bad this isn't a dating site.

Hmmm…perhaps, if one lives in the Roswell, Georgia area; she could…

Aw, never mind.

At any rate, I'm amazed at the things that trigger certain emotional responses and memories—especially mine. For after seeing Mark this morning, I, once again, made note of how truly blessed I am for finding my Jeff: A pearl that may be a little bumpy still (smiling), but a true treasure nonetheless.

Thanks Mark.

Damn! I'm lucky.

Comments

[Mayna]

Maggie, this is a beautiful writing :) I love your perspective. I, too, treasure a good man. There will always be challenges in seeing through each other, but John is worth every drop of my sweat :)

[Maggie West]

Awww...such a sweet sentiment. Good luck to you both. I love you guys!