Friday, June 12, 2009

Happy 40th to my wonderful husband

As many of you know, I write a tribute blog to each of my kids on their birthday. This time, it's my husband I wish to brag on, because he is the best man for me on earth.

He is so amazing, and hard working, and calm. Calm says a lot when you have six children ten and under. The best part is, his calm is contagious. Every day when he gets home we can just feel the peace enter our home.

As a Dad, he's a great listener. He makes sure to listen to each of kid's highlights every day, and ask questions to show he's listening. He even refrains from offering advice unless it's asked for...an important skill in the tween years.

He sets a good example for the boys by pitching in around the house. He washes all the hand-wash dishes every night. He takes care of the kitchen floor. He washes all the laundry for the entire household, again no small feat in a household of eight.

He encourages each of our children to develop their talents, even if it's our daughter who plays soccer and our son who just danced in the "Garden Ballet." He supports their activities by coaching, leading, cheering, and sometimes just by staying home with younger siblings so I can volunteer.

He is careful with his words at all times, never demeaning, never disrespectful, and expects the same from his children.

He has worked his way up professionally, from a crew leader at Burger King to a software engineer at an excellent company. There are times he has worked two jobs to support our family along the way.

He puts the children to bed every night. He reads the book of their choice to each of the younger ones, and discusses the chapter books the older ones are reading with them. He finds lost stuffed animals, and sits and reads in the room of whoever is lonely until they fall asleep.

He makes himself available at all times. If there is need, he will be there. He has shown this time and time again, including the three times we've had hospitalized children in the past four years. During those times, he let me stay with sick kid 24/7 so she/he wouldn't have to be alone in a hospital, while he worked and took care of everyone and everything else. He never broke under the strain. He never complained. He was just doing what was best for his family.

That is his primary motivation, is to do what is best for his family. He truly lives the theme of our marriage, "A heart to God, a hand to man" every day of his life. May his sons follow in his footsteps.

1 comment:

MagenRanae said...

What beautiful praise for your honey!