The Empty Jar excerpt- the cuteness of Nate

The fabulous Stephanie Phillips from Stephanie’s Book Reports interviewed me last night on her radio show, and the main topic of conversation was The Empty Jar.  She read it and has declared it a MUST READ, which tickles me to death. “Everybody just has to read this book. They just have to,” she said.  “It’s a must read.”  (Told you I was gonna quote you on that, Stephanie! LOL)  

Anyway, as she was giving us her thoughts on it, she mentioned that she laughed at several parts in the book, which made me very happy. Yes, it’s a heartbreaking story in many ways, but it’s also hopeful and inspiring, beautiful and, at times, even funny.  That’s what I want to share with you today.  Something from the lighter side of things.

Nate reminds me so, so much of my husband!  He can make me laugh in the worst of situations, and I’m eternally grateful for that.  Just like Lena is.  This excerpt is from a scary time for this couple, but as always, Nate sweeps in to save the day, this time with humor.  Penis humor, of all things.  LOL  I love this guy!

[[teasingly referring to his penis]]

“More like a damn weapon.”

Nate’s lopsided grin inspires an answering one of my own.

God how I love him!

I love how solid he is, how hard he tries to protect me, even from his own doubts and fears. I love how he can always find a bright side, even in the darkest times. And I love how his sense of humor has never failed us, just like it didn’t today.

“I hope you’re not going to try to get it registered.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “You think I could?” Before I can retort, he begins nodding, chasing that silly thought. “Maybe they’d take pictures. Send them to Guiness and declare me ‘The Most Dangerous Penis Alive’.”

“No, that sounds like you’re calling yourself a penis. Do you want people to start calling you ‘dick’?”

After giving it a few seconds thought, Nate’s smile widens. “Not unless they call me Mr. Dick. You know, out of respect for The Most Dangerous Penis Alive.”

Of course he isn’t serious, but I go along with him anyway. “I think the last thing that you and every other man alive need is to revere your penises anymore than you already do.”

“Oh come on, admit it. You love my penis.” When I roll my eyes, Nate tickles the underside of my chin with his fingertip. “Commme onnn. You can say it. ‘I adore your penis, Nate. It’s the prettiest penis in the whole wide world, Nate. Thank you for loving me with The Most Dangerous Penis Alive, Nate.’” A thump near the door has both of us stopping to listen.

I gasp.

Nate’s eyes widen guiltily.

I’m sure he’s hoping as much as I am that no one was listening to our odd conversation.

After thirty seconds have passed and we are still very much alone, Nate finally whispers, “Maybe we should keep The Most Dangerous Penis Alive between us. The world might not be ready for it yet.”

“I think that’s best,” I reply, my words hushed and conspiratorial, too. “I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet.”

We stare at one another for about fifteen seconds before we both give into our laughter. We giggle and snort like two teenagers and it feels good. It feels good to laugh, maybe even more so because we are covered by a dark cloud of uncertainty. But we are together and that makes all the difference.

We are like two young lovers huddled beneath an umbrella in a rainstorm. We find shelter from the elements, warmth in each other’s arms, and solace in otherwise unforgiving circumstances. It’s us against the world.

Us against time.

As our merriment wanes, I lie staring up into Nate’s eyes, and he into mine. “I love you more than anything,” I declare softly. It’s nothing he doesn’t already know, but I’m more frequently impressed with the need to tell him these days.