Comforted by Her Support

M blessed me by listening to my worries about bills and money, then gave me support and encouragement when I discussed our options.

We make a decent living, but I still get worried about things like student loans and other expenses. If I didn't have someone like M to support me, I'd be in a world of trouble.

Left Me a Note

M left me a sweet little note to show she cared for me.

She also left me instructions on how to get all the food I need to rush in the family were gone.

Broadening Our Kids' Options

She its committed to helping our kids become well rounded people.

Even though it made her/our schedule more intense, she gave our kids the soccer experience. She doesn't mind if they don't like it; she is willing to trade them on the Saturdays I work, then cart them to a family event by herself so that they face the option of liking it.

Valiant Attempts to Get It All Done

When we talked on my lunch break, M was fighting fatigue and getting a bunch of housework done while helping our oldest with her homework.

M always has several things to do, even when she is sick, tired, sleepy, or just having a bad day. I can't even get our kids to leave her alone when she uses the restroom. However, she still seems to run the household, keep track of our family calendar and commitments, and play with our kids. I assure you that when I'm in charge, much of that just doesn't happen.

Watched TV Later than Was Prudent

M stayed up late to spend time with me, even though she planned on going to bed a bit earlier.

So, often M and I watch a couple of shows together on the TV, it gets to be bedtime, and she talks about sleep. Far too often, I'm not sleepy yet or into the show and want "one more." She often caves into watching at least one more because she loves me.

Bedtime Stories with Dad, Her Idea

M included me in our children's bedtime ritual from the beginning; it has deepened my relationship with them more than I ever expected.

Sometimes she had to almost force me at first because of the demands on my time with grad school, but eventually I caught on, and I'm so very glad I did.

Bedtime with the Kids, at Work

M called me at bedtime, while I was working, so I can talk to my kids before they go to sleep.

She's done it for several years now and I really appreciate her thoughtfulness and really how much she cares about my relationship with her children. If she were a little more selfish she might just cut up my phone call and get a little more free time for herself, but that's not how she is.