Chivalry and Gratitude

So today I had this song stuck in my head...

It had me thinking a lot about chivalry and gratitude.

It had me thinking about Ray and Mya.

I thought about values and friends and family.

Mostly, I thought about chivalry and mostly I thought about Ray.

(CAUTION: the following comments may be too sappy and/or cheesy for some readers...)

Define Chivalry: the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.

There are so many things, life experiences, pains, and struggles that have influenced Ray through his life. His childhood was full of losses and discord, and events that could have been pulled straight from a movie. He never limps on these battles, nor seeks or wants empathy from others. He never boasts, complains, or even in most cases talks at all about his life, and never would. He has personal strength and honor. VALOR

Ray is NOT, I repeat NOT a morning person, yet every morning he drags out of bed and kisses us goodbye without a complaint. He works out in the sun all day- everyday- and has not missed a day of work in more years than I can remember. There are no sick days for Ray.

Ray never runs out of loving hugs, encouragement, or smiles for Mya.

Ray would quietly help an injured animal, lost child, or fellow worker. He would anonymously help a hungry family or friend. All for which he would not want acknowledgement or thanks.

GENEROSITY COURTESY HONOR

I am so grateful for Ray.

And yes,

there are days I wish I was a turd hucking Monkey-

just so I could fling a poo at his big head... Ahem...

At the end of the day, Ray is a man of honor,

of strong morals, and a big heart.

He is generous, strong, handsome and intelligent.

He is my knight and I am so fortunate.

As far as the last part of the definition "dexterity in arms"-

his ricochet wound to the chest and Jason's to the arm may not be a good testament...

Ok, barf bags away people- I'm done.