I’m a doer. I like to make lists and check boxes. I also like to check boxes as soon as I write items down on my list.

My husband is not a list maker. He will support my lists, but on his own time.

Case in point. Our garbage disposal began leaking about three weeks ago.

“Can you check the garbage disposal?” I asked him kindly.

He said yes and glanced in the direction of the garbage disposal a few hours later.

“What did you think?” I asked.

“I don’t know yet.” He said.

A week later I said, “The garbage disposal is still leaking.” I made a loud announcement to the entire family. “Please don’t put anything down the garbage disposal. IT’S BROKEN!”

I hurled that last part in the general direction of my husband.

The following weekend, we were going away. As we went on our morning walk, I causally mentioned the garbage disposal. “Do you think you can fix it? If not, I’m on vacation next week. I can call a plumber.”

“I can fix it,” he said, just as causally. “I just need some plumber’s putty.”

“I’ll remind you to get some,” I said. “Do you think you can fix it on Monday, when we get home from New Hampshire.”

“Sure,” he said.

On Monday morning, I woke up considering how I’d subtly remind Arnauld about the garbage disposal. It turned out, there was no reminder necessary. I came downstairs to find him positioned under the kitchen sink. His analysis was we needed a new disposal. “Can you do that?” I asked trying not to let doubt creep into my voice.

“We will see,” he said.

A few hours later, after a trip to Home Depot, we had a brand new garbage disposal installed.

I kept opening the cabinet to admire Arnauld’s work, amazed that he was (finally) able to solve this problem.

I’m grateful he got the job done…on his own timeline. Good things are worth waiting for.