SWB - Love, Family & Money

Taj Mahal

(Click on photo for a close up and just look at that price!)

We spent the day at MOA and I discovered beauty at LegoLand. We haven't been to the MOA in a few years and this lego creation wasn't there at our last visit. It got me thinking about what someone will do for love.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in loving memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum. It took about 16 years to complete with the landscaping, gardens and surrounding buildings taking another five years. Emporer Shah Jahan used these words to describe it:

Should guilty seek asylum here,

Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.

Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,

All his past sins are to be washed away.

The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.

In this world this edifice has been made;

To display thereby the creator's glory.

I can't help but think about the word "favorite" when referring to wives. Obviously, it tells us there were others. Being who I am, I can't help but struggle with this, but clearly, Emporer Shah Jahan had a deep love for Mumtaz.

While gazing at the lego version of this beautiful mausoleum, I asked my husband if his love was such that he'd build a Taj Mahal for me. His response was, "I would if I had a lot of money and a lot of servants." He knew he was off the hook knowing my thoughts on servants. I truly believe, however, that he'd build me the lego version in a heartbeat! ;)

The real Taj Mahal

What would you do for love?

~*~*~

In Sleeping with Bread, we're to talk about the highs and lows of our previous week and focus on something we have held or can hold onto to give us strength and carry us through the tough times.

This week's lows:

1. Feelings of uncertainty about my job.

2. Struggles with my son and some of his vocal tics and demand for constant, and I mean constant, attention.

3. Thoughts of despair and wondering if some things will never change.

This week's highs:

1. I kicked butt and completed some projects at work that were nagging at my brain.

2. Warmer weather!

3. More sleep.

4. An exciting project I'm working on with my fellow Texty Ladies!

I held on to the knowledge that my husband loves me and, I think, had some idea of the challenges we'd face when he moved up and took on a ready made family. With regard to my job, I'm telling myself every day that I can only try to do my best and nothing more. Get involved, acquire new and marketable skills, and do my best.

If you're hungry, go here for more bread.