27 Long Years: Gettin the Purfect Anniversary Gift

13th August, 2011 - Posted by L. John Mason -

My wife is a “Cat person” and she has suffered through 27 “long” years married to me. Being married to me has taken its toll on her but after the first 10 years she did develop the necessary survival tools including an extremely good sense of humor. She has had to… But this blog is not about her long suffering, it is about the stress I feel as I attempt to get her a token of appreciation for her long, and emotionally trying, effort.

After 27 years, she has been bestowed, by me, with many birthday gifts, Valentine Day rememberances, Mother’s Day acknowledgements, Christmas gifts, “Forgive Me Favors,” and anniversary presents. Many have been “winners” and some gifts “not so much.” I remember the special dress I bought for her that was a bit “form-fitting” that I never saw ever again. Or, that special Bamboo handcrafted lamp that I saw her cooing over, only later finding out that she did not really like it or the years it sat in our living room until she gave it away. But, by and large (odd expression), I have acquired reasonably good, and more importantly, well received gifts for my bride. I can not go wrong with earrings and most other jewelry items.

But what about this year! The pressure is on! My anniversary will be upon me in a few days and I have not been FOCUSED in my pursuit. My levels of fear and anxiety are growing. I want to get the “Purfect” (also spelled perfect) gift for my wife. I know she has spent time and energy to get me the perfect gift, another gift card for HomeDepot. Should I get something impractical but romantic? Should I get something practical AND romantic like new kitchen knives??? Should I feed into her love of gardening by getting her a diamond encrusted weeding trowel? Perhaps some NorthWest American Indian Art? Or, maybe a new Cell Phone? Should the gift be artistic or just expensive? I will strive for perfection but, as usual, be prepared for something slightly less….

So my personal dilemma continues, but each year my creativity gets more severely tested and when it comes to gift giving, I am NOT particularly “gift giving” creative. Luckily, my anniversary falls on a weekend night (a Friday) so I can take her out for dinner and have the meal mask any Faux Pas I will surely make in appropriate anniversary behavior… I hope she will have a good appetite…

I love my wife (my partner) AND I hope I have to suffer many more years of searching out the best anniversary gift for my lovely bride. Remember to tell your closest people that you love them and enjoy every minute you can with them.