The Real Meaning Behind His Words

After being married for nearly 3 1/2 years, I find myself being referred to as the Misses, his better half, the old ball and chain, etc. These referrals are made jokingly most times, yet sometimes not. Recently, my hubby thought it necessary to call his wife of 1,215 days and counting, an old battle axe. I found this odd since generally an antagonistic or domineering woman is often said to be an old battle axe. Since I am neither, my dear husband lived to see another day.

While I could have been angry that I was called this negative adage for wife; I decided to look at the flip side. Jokingly or not, being on the receiving end of a comment about a harsh and overbearing woman really made me think; maybe I am his battle axe. Vikings; roving bands of pirates, were well known as pillagers, raiders and basic all around bad asses. Filled with testosterone, they traveled near and far, took what they wanted and God help anyone who dare possess a thought of ever trying to stop them.

The main offensive weapons used by these ruthless barbarians were the spear, sword and the notorious battle-axe. These weapons were carried not just for battle, but also as symbols of status and wealth. The battle axes were ornately decorated with inlays, twisted wires and other beautiful adornments in silver, copper and bronze.

Though I've only been married for a little over 3 years; I have known my husband for more than a decade. I think it is safe to say, I know my man and in our time together I have been many things: friend, admirer, mother, confidant, lover, co-defendant, teacher and supporter. Much like the battle axe I have been a measure of his wealth and a protector.

My man is my warrior, my black knight, my soldier but a Viking he is not. So to translate the importance of a battle axe to man I quote a modern day man of non-Scandinavian decent, "I want a woman who will not only fight with me but fight for me. A woman I can go to war with who will drag me and my kids out alive. A woman that can see the good in me when I can't even see it in myself." Legendary comedian Chris Rocks character Richard Cooper, uttered these powerful words in, "I think I Love My Wife."

I am all these things and so much more. Each time my courageous man-at-arms goes into battle you can believe that he is armed to the teeth and never without his trusty old battle axe firmly planted at his side.