This card is for one of my husband's college buddies. They were roommates. Both engineering majors. My husband was electrical engineering and his buddy was chemical engineering. Can you imagine the brain-power in that dorm room? Wow.
I had heard the roommate's name long before I met him, heard every story ten times, so when I did meet him, I already knew him, already loved him. My husband admired him greatly, not only for his brain but for his personality. To my husband, this guy was the smartest guy in the world, but he could carry on conversations with anyone and not let on just how smart he is - just be an everyday guy. Oh, and funny. He was so funny and outgoing - not at all the stereotypical engineer.
My husband was like that too. Smart, funny, full of personality - didn't fit the stereotype either. That's probably why they loved each other so much.
After my husband's funeral, we all gathered back at the house, of course. His roommate began to talk about my husband and how much smarter MY husband was than he was. How my husband pushed him to think differently, make better grades, taught him how to study, and that he wouldn't be where he is today if it weren't for my husband. I was shocked to hear him say that. How funny is it that each of them thought the other to be the intellectual superior?
His roommate talked about the first time they were doing homework and my husband pulled out a Hewlett Packard 28S graphing calculator - which was about a $400 calculator back in 1988. He said, "I knew at that moment, that this guy was serious and knew what he was doing."
I knew exactly which calculator he was talking about. My husband used it up until 2006 when he had to upgrade to a new one.
So, after boxing up my husband's technical books, I emailed all his engineering buddies telling them that they could have any books or other engineering stuff they wanted. Guess what the roommate wanted?
Yeah, the calculator.
So, it's his. I'm mailing it to him on Monday along with the manual - yes, my husband still had the manual. And I'm including this card, thanking him for being a good friend for all these years.
Does it kind of resemble a calculator? That was the intent. And the colors are their college colors. I hope he likes it.
The number stamp is from Technique Tuesday, and the sentiment, which I selectively inked, is from PTI's Inside and Out Thank You.
Thanks for visiting My Happy Place today!
12 comments:
Lee Anne, thank you so much for sharing this special story about your husband. What a tribute, especially with Father's Day tomorrow.
The card you made is a bit of math perfection! :) My college buddy was a chem. engineer because 'he heard it was the hardest major'. And my bro's an elec. engineer so I'll have to ask him about that calculator. Lots of strength to you as you go through the office. I do hope you reward yourself with a new craft room!
Thanks so much for sharing this. You really are an inspiration of strength. Stop by my Blog when you get a chance - I have an award for you. :)
Nita
http://niftynitanotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-award.html
What a wonderful story! That's such a special memory fit you to have and it's great that the friend now gets to have something. Beautiful. Love your card, too.
What a wonderful card to go with the calculator! Such a touching story-- thanks for sharing it!
Awww, that is so sweet!! I love reading your stories about your husband! I am sure that his friend will treasure this calculator very much! The card is perfect. Perfect. Hugs!!
As I was reading your story, I thought to myself, "And people say men aren't sentimental!" I think it's precious that his roommate wants the calculator. I think your card is perfect to go with it.
What a wonderful heartfelt and oh so handsome card. I agree, this card looks like a very groovy calculator for sure. You just continue to inspire!
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Love this card.
I think it's perfect...
and you made me cry with the story.
Such a true friend...
Eric was blessed.
You are a sweet one.
love the card and story.
This has got to be the sweetest story I've read. You are such a strong person! How very special of you to send this momento to his friend.....Sounds like it will be cherished for a lifetime!
Your card is PERFECT for him!!
Lee Anne, what a sweet story. You amaze me with your strength. The card is sure to be treasured just as much as the calculator itself.
Lee Anne -- Flake sent me a pic of the calculator the day he got it. I remember many a study session with Eric and that calculator practically catching fire. I was thinking about Eric this very morning as a colleague of mine and I were discussing our days of sweating away as undergrads and how hard we worked in certain classes. I had to laugh out loud as I remembered Eric's uncanny ability to do impersonations of our professors and give us the motivation we needed to finish out a long set of homework problems. Our prayers are still with you.
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