I knew my husband, also known as Grouchy Husband, all my life. Our dad’s went to college together and we would see each other on summer vacations and holidays. Being three years older then me, I had a crush on him growing up and my diaries were filled with his name in hearts. We started dating in college and I showed him the diary entries. He was freaked out but tried to keep cool since we just started dating.
He is not the typical Chinese American doctor, lawyer, investment banker, engineer, computer scientist husband. Grouchy Husband is a policeman, currently in SWAT school, and owns a local hot dog shop. He loves fast cars, rap music, and junk food. When we were dating he had earrings in both ears and a motorcycle. When he asked my parents for permission to marry me, my mom talked to him for over 2 hours. My parents are traditional and conservative so they were worried, to say the least.
I majored in mathematics in college and my Chinese brain was always attracted to the smartest guy in the class. I loved their structured thinking and thoughtfulness. But my American heart needed more. My American Heart needed adventure and someone who would excite it when they walked into the room.
Grouchy Husband and I are complete opposites and have almost nothing in common. My American heart fell in love with the person he is deep, deep inside, his soul.
We are so different and that makes life an adventure but very (very) hard. No matter where we are, how much we fought that day, my heart smiles when he walks through the front door. My American heart wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Dumpling Mama xo