Men's Retreat.

This weekend is our church's annual men's retreat. My husband has gone. The girls are all in bed. My large, gaurd-dog doberman is resting on the floor at my feet. And the house is quiet. I don't know how the other wives are doing, but I have to say I hate being without him. I hate closing down the house without him. I hate laying in bed with his pillow gone. His spot empty.

It's time like this that *drive home* just how much I love him. Just how much of a void there would be if he was ever...gone. He is my best friend, without doubt. My only love, without hesitation. The person I want to grow old with. He...is it. And he will be missed tonight.

But aside from the fact that I am keenly aware that I love and miss my sweet husband, I have taken note of something else these past few days. Something that stood out to me as he "prepared" for the coming retreat... Men and women are oh so different. Yes, I know. Shocking revelation. Someone notify the press.

But really...take our annual church retreats. One for women. One for men. I mean, right up front, there are obvious differences. We, ladies, stay at the Marriot. We have plush surroundings. Room service. The guys? They go camping. In the dirt. Caked in bug spray, playing with matches.

He decided who he was tenting with...uh? Yesterday. But as he was leaving tonight he said, "But I'm not sure. Who cares though. I'll sleep in the back of my truck, if I need to. It's really not a big deal." Whereas, I always know who my roommates will be well ahead of time! This is a must. And all women seem to intuitively know this. Some better than others...for last year, I asked someone to room with me a month in advance. Sorry! She said her room had already been set since "last month".

We women drive 2 hours away. It's been this way for years. My guess? To ensure that no one in our family can get to us too easily. We want to be away. We celebrate said freedom with getting dressed up and primped up.

My beloved husband is less than 1/2 hour away. With his cell phone on. Just in case. (hee hee) He is surrounded by trees and bushes galore. He celebrates his freedom by peeing on those surrounding shrubs. And I think Jet took clean clothes with him.

Which brings us to packing. I am ready the day before. I have tried on different outfits to ensure the one I take is the best one for me and my current figure (which in the last few years has included pregnant or post-pregnant). I am ready. Jet came home from work today and threw clothes together in a matter of minutes.

Ahh, you gotta love him. I do. I love how different we are by nature. I hate how it's currently raining. Hard. So much for the truck bed. But somehow I know he won't care. Because guys are like that. And another guy, in all their innate flexibility, will make room for him in their tent.

Oh Lord. Thank you for my husband. Please speak to his heart during the next 24 hours. Bless him "extra special" since he's coming home early for my birthday. Help me to sleep without him tonight.