When I got married ten years ago, the girlish bride who walked down the aisle had no idea how to really love. Nor did she realize the depth of the man she was marrying and his capacity for love and the ways he would show it. But here I sit compiling a list of the ways that my husband has made me the happiest girl in the world.
2. Gracefully overlook when things go wrong and recognize the effort put forth. Luke warm supper (that might be a tad overcooked), clothes that are washed, but still in the laundry basket (and maybe a little wrinkly), a house that is littered from one end to the other with small toys, bits of art projects, books and puzzle pieces (but the bed is made!!!) and kids who may fight a little (but at least they are fighting over who gets to hug you first!). Yeah, it isn't perfect, but thanks for not telling me.
3. Allow your wife not only to have dreams, but help her pursue them. It might be bringing home her very own palm sander as a gift because she loves painting furniture. Or it could be putting in long hours working on her business venture that she ultimately decides to stop pursuing since everything she really wanted, she already had with numbers one and two on our list. You dream with her.
4. Make babies. Even though you thought three was good, you let her have a fourth baby when she realized that her heart and her arms were not yet quite full. If three was good, four is better. Each a miracle and joy. You get that, and that is beautiful.
5. Always do what you believe is right. There is safety and security in following a leader who you can rely on to do the right thing. You don't make decisions lightly, but with great thought and care. You are trustworthy.
6. Love your children. Play with them. Teach them. Hold them. There is nothing more wonderful than a man in love with his children. Except for a man in love with his wife.
7. Laugh together. Laugh at your mistakes, laugh at the funny things your kids say and do. Laugh over a shared joke, laugh at each other. Find humor when it's sometimes hard. Share it. A hearty laugh together clears the air and fills it with brightness.
8. Hold on to each other. Share a hug, hold hands. Help each other up, hold each other up. Never ever let go. But it must be said, do not put your feet on me. Never put your cold feet on me. I will karate chop you if you do.
9. Go out. Treat your wife to a night out. Frequently. Especially if your home is like number 2 on our list. Everyone will be the better for some time apart and some time together. Remember what it was like to be just the two of you and how much you liked it. Talk to each other without interruptions. Share a meal and share conversation. A babysitter is a small price to pay for time to reconnect with your dearest friend and confidant.
10. Do things together. Involve each other in your interests. Go places together, tag along just because you enjoy each other's company. Learn and grow together. Watch your significant other when they are in their element. Take interest, take part. Let your entire life be intertwined with the other.
I feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world that I get to live out this list. I'm blessed that my beloved created this list by the way he has loved me for these past years. And if the past is any indication of the future, it's going to be wonderful.
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