Dear Sam,
This year has been no picnic. It began with me on bed rest. The next six months were spent in the hospital. Even though Kenna is home now, I spend a ridiculous amount of time with therapists, at a variety of doctor appointments, and on occasion back at the hospital, in the emergency room.
While I am supposed to be your partner in life and in business, I have fallen short from time to time as I try to balance being a mom to a micro-preemie and two teens. You have survived the days that just looking at me the wrong way made me cry. You have survived the days that just speaking to me has resulted in me snapping at you. You have listened to my complaints and tried to ease my concerns.
Yours is not an easy role. You went from being a bachelor to a husband, step-father, and now daddy. As much as you took your time adjusting before truly embracing this life, you have also completely surpassed all my hopes, dreams, and expectations. Every day I love you more for the way you care for our daughter. Seeing you love Kenna melts me. But it is the way that you have accepted, loved, and supported my children that has made it impossible for me to remember life before you or imagine a life without you.
Though many husbands rarely hear how much they are appreciated, I make sure to tell you as often as possible because we have something special, something I don't take for granted. As much as you listen to me and show me that I'm heard, I want you to know that I see you and hear you, too. Thank you for all the little things...cleaning the sink, helping me clean up after meals that we prepare, leaving the toilet seat down, and sharing in the household duties. Thank you for the big things...your determination to make our company a success, your tireless efforts to provide for our family, your every act proclaims your love. Thank you for picking me. Thank you for sharing your life with me and building a life with me. Thank you for making me a mommy again. Thank you for sharing in all the little moments and making every day special. May it never go without saying...I love you.
When Nicki isn't showering her husband with appreciation, she can be found blogging at Suddenly *Not So* Single Journey. Her books are available on Amazon.
