Since hitting puberty, I’ve constantly wavered between the desparate sense that I need a wife and the pseudo-self-contentment that I can make it on my own. After 17+ years of marriage, I can honestly say that I need my wife more than anything or anyone in this world.
For the most part (for better and for worse), ours is a “traditional marriage”. She cares for the family and I give her the money to pay for it. My days of trying to be a co-equal partner in every aspect of our family life have faded like a dream I never had. Now I simply try not to be much of a burden.
In the jargon of pop pscyhology, we are “co-dependent”. I prefer to think of our relationship romantically, as a living expression of John Prine’s song - “Aw Heck”.
Aw Heck
©John PrineI could be as happy as a sardine in a can
Long as I got my woman
I could run stark naked and live in and old oak tree
Just as long as she’s with me
My woman.The cannibals can catch me and fry me in a pan
Long as I got my woman
I could get the electric chair for a phony rap
Long as she’s sittin’ in my lap
My woman.I’d run a mile, just to see her smile
And put her lovin arms, around my neck
Aw heck
My spine starts a tingling, and bells start a ringling
When she’s with me, can’t you see.They could torture me and stretch me like a rubber band
Long as I got my woman
I could jump off a cliff and never have no fear
Just as long as she is near
My woman.
{Note to Mrs. Pistol: I love you. I just have a strange way of expressing it. Thanks for loving me in spite of this.}
{Note to readers: “Aw Heck” is included on the album/recording ”Bruised Orange” It can be purchased and/or downloaded from OhBoy records }
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more reflections on Prine’s music…
she’s a lucky gal to have you, too. :)
The Pistol fires back: Thank you very much. I’ll make sure she reads this so she can thank her lucky stars.
Aw Heck! A redneck tribute to your woman. How sweet.
The Pistol fires back: Glad you liked it. I aims to please, ma’am.
is that a pic of you and Mrs. Pete?
(this was a charming post…)
The Pistol fires back: That would be a pic of the future Mrs. Pete & I - as we grow older together. In reality, I have much less hair.
Thank your for describing “co-dependency” this way because its often a partnership and that is a good thing! It was touching to see this post about your wife. I can get an idea of what she must be like based on the fact that she is able to put up with you :) I like her.
You’re going to make a John Prine fan out of me yet…
The Pistol fires back: Good. When you place your first Prine order, tell them “the Pistol” sent you.
This made me smile.
A little story: my sons are 21 & 24.
The other day, while playing with my 1 year old niece, it must have gotten my son thinking back, he said,
“I always felt sorry for those kids that had to go to babysitters, that’s why all my friends liked to come over to our house you know”
“Why’s that?” I asked, remembering feeding what seemed like an entire baseball team on many occasions.
“Because our house was never empty”he answered.
There’s a lot to be said for “traditional marriage” and that is coming from the mouth of a “pretty hip” 21 year old young man.
I’m still smiling. I don’t know you; but I’m happy for you and your family.
The Pistol fires back: Sounds like you have offered your kids a lot. I know “Mrs. Pistol” certainly has. We are blessed.
Beautiful. I so agree that a woman should focus more on her responsibility to be a good mom and wife. Working is good, as long as there is a need.
Anyway in any way she is, a woman should always keep learning..
May you both live happily ever after..