Yesterday I started packing for a trip our kids have been begging us to take them on for a year. Literally for 365 days all I have heard was that they wanted to go to the beach. For several months we have been planning this trip but not telling the kids until recently because I did not want to jinx it.
You see it is common for us to have canceled trips and plans. Heart kids who need him take priority. That has always been known and something we understand. Last night this trip became a little in question. My husband came home from work to tell me about his day and a baby that may need him remotely.
You wrote about your selfish occasional moments and know that I have my own. It is not often but from time to time they happen. And last night was one of them. For a moment, and I promise it was only a moment, I thought oh man how am I going to tell the kids that we cannot go to the beach. Because you see we had just shared with them that we were taking them. I stopped packing our bags last night and instead laid and read my book. And then, as if God knew my heart, my phone dinged with a link that was shared to me. A link I needed to read. A link that would remind me that I have to share this life and this unique human being I call husband. It was your story, but it wasn't. It was also my story. And it brought me to tears. I have never complained about his work or his hours. I look into the eyes of my children every day after listening to countless stories of families like yours and I am thankful that I can share this person who has been given a gift to help you and your family in your time of need.
I have often wondered if you and other families know about us. As I know my husband is a man of few words. There have been countless missed birthdays, special moments with the kids, anniversaries etc, and I wonder if you know. Do you know that when he comes home you all come home with him? Even when he is home he worries. He calls. He texts. To find out how your little one is doing. Nothing is missed, I assure you, even when he is not there.
Thank you for sharing your story. It warms my heart to know he is loved by so many. It makes me happy to know his impact in your life means so much. And thank you for giving me something to share with my children so they know that though their dad is not always present his purpose of absence is because of a greater calling. I hope one day you come across my words as well and know how grateful I am to have read yours and how much they meant to me ❤
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