More than half.
That's how much of my monthly paycheck our mortgage cost when Diana and I were first married. The little two-bedroom ranch was all we could afford and there simply wasn't much left over for things like winter coats.
As I recall, the early winter was unusually harsh, even by Chicago standards, and I needed a new coat. What I was wearing was embarrassing to look at it, and insufficient for the three miles a day I walked in the Windy City. Second hand stores weren't as available then, so we trudged through the mall.
I can still see its crisp outline on the rack —woolen gray and with a black collar. The coat fit me beautifully. The price did not. So we put $10 down in layaway, hoping for a miracle—or at least some extra cash.
The cash never came and Christmas was looming. I'd scraped a few dollars together for some gifts, but needed more money to buy Diana her present. The only charge card I owned at the time was for Sears (not accepted at the coat store).
There was only one thing left to do. Giving up on the coat was tough. But the $10 redeemed back from layaway came in handy (remember, this was 30 years ago).
Christmas came and Diana and I had a special time, just being together. After we exchanged gifts, Diana quietly announced there was one more. I was told to open the living room closet.
You've guessed the story's ending. But I promise you, you could never guess how profound a moment that was—and is—thirty years later. Shocking kindness. Extravagant selflessness.
Three decades later, that gray coat is now worn and old.
But as it will always a have place in my heart, it will always have a place in our home.
I'll show it to you, next time you visit.
And Diana, for your many many lavish gifts of love—at Christmas and throughout the years—I say thank you and thank you again. I love you!