From a Tube of Toothpaste, I Fell in Love Again

Late one night, I discovered a new tube of Crest Toothpaste sitting on the counter next to my sink. It was the sweetest gift I ever got. And I fell in love all over again.

You may ask, "What's the connection between a $5.68 tube of toothpaste and love?"

It's elementary, my dear Watson.

The tube couldn't have just appeared there. My wife must have bought it for me. That means that...

• She heard me mention (in an aside) that I was out of toothpaste. Proof that she listens to me.

• She remembered that I said it. This busy woman, who works, has 3 teenagers, and juggles the crazy hours of her rabbi husband, focused and remembered. Proof she thinks about my needs.

• Even though I am more than capable of picking up my own toothpaste (I do the Monday morning shopping most weeks), she picked up the toothpaste for me. Proof she prioritized my needs.

• She chose the regular flavor, old style Crest toothpaste tube, exactly what I like. Not all places carry my flavor. Proof she is attentive to my needs and she is willing to go out of her way to fulfill them.

• I'm pretty sure that buying that toothpaste was really not a big deal for her. We regularly share the errands. No big deal for me to pick up a prescription or dinner; no big deal for her to pick up the dry-cleaning or a package at the post office. Proof then that she cares even if it's no big deal.

This tube of Crest Regular Flavor Toothpaste was a loving gift from my wife who listens to me, focuses on what I say and remembers, prioritized my needs, goes out of her way to meet my needs and doesn't make a big deal about it at all.

If that's not love, I'm not sure I know what love is.

Pirkei Avot 5:19 teaches:

.

Yes, my wife loves me. And while I know that, one tube of regular flavor crest toothpaste reminded me yet again.

The sweetest gift I've ever gotten!