My beloved partner, bless him, really knows me well. You’d figure, after more than 19 years, he would have an idea about what I dreamed about, biker – leatherwise. (If that’s a word…).

I went out the other day but came home earlier than my partner expected. I heard doors slamming and “oh shucks, don’t look!” I figured he was doing something to prepare for my upcoming birthday. So I stayed away, but was damn curious. Then he surprised me….

He was so happy that I accomplished a major task in our kitchen renovation — that is, last Sunday I completed laying all of the imported Italian tile that took about four months (on-and-off) of tedious work — he said, “okay, you’ve earned a present.”

He went to his hidey-hole (walk-in attic) and brought out a big box. He said, “open it. It’s an early birthday present.”

I tore open the box and what did I find but a real, honest-to-goodness Langlitz Columbia Motorcycle Jacket! Woo-hoo!

I had always wanted one of these top-of-the-line motorcycle jackets, but the US$1,200 price tag of a new one was too rich for my blood.

One of my partner’s many great characteristics is persistence. He had been looking on eBay for this jacket in my size for over three years. He said that he had bid on five of them over this time period, but the price kept going beyond his upper limit. This time, however, he won!

The jacket looks like it is brand new. The previous owner said that he got it, wore it a few times, but then gave up motorcycling so he was selling his biker gear.

Man, I can’t wait for the summer heat to break and to wear this jacket when I ride my Harley.

I am so lucky to be in love with my best friend, and that he knows me inside and out!

Life is short: show those you love how you love them.