My Husband

I have to take just a moment to brag about my wonderful husband. So much has been on my heart lately and I wanted to take a second to write it down.
Matt is amazing. He is kind, loving, gracious, and steadfast. He doesn't pretend to be something he is not but strives everyday to be better than the day before. Matt loves unconditionally and completely. He is a wonderful person in so many ways.
Over these last few years, he has been tested and weathered quite a few storms. He has faced many challenges, but instead of allowing them to defeat him, he has chosen to use these opportunities to learn and grow and become the person he is today.
One of the most difficult seasons in Matt's life was when his children moved away. I saw his spirit break and his heart shatter. There are many people that may minimize the role of a father in his children's life or even feel that it is easier for a father to be away from his children than for a mother. The fact is that a father still feels that tremendous void and emptiness once his children are far away.
I watched Matt with his four children this past weekend and I could see how happy he was to have them close. He was very present, wanting to hear all about what they have going on in their lives. He went to bed each night with a feeling of security knowing his children were all under his roof.
The compromises and sacrifices I have seen him make to give his children what they need is amazing. Working and going through school full time while his family was young, giving his career his all to provide more, and going without so that they could have what they need. I have never met another man who had made it his priority to keep his former wife at home with their children after a divorce. While most women have to work out of necessity, he was determined to support two households so that his children could have their mother at home. That speaks volumes about where his heart is and how he loves. This shows tremendous character.
Times have changed in this economic crisis and we, as most everyone, have felt it. The financial obligations that were once so easy to fulfill have been very difficult to meet at times, but still Matt gives his all to help support his children. It may not be the amount that is expected or wished for, but to Matt it is everything he has right now and it has been a huge sacrifice. Again, this separates him from so many other fathers, as he does so and with a heart of gladness and the desire to help where he can. Matt is humble and gracious, the first to say thank you to his former wife and her husband for all that they do the support the kids. He acknowledges and appreciates everything that they do. Do many men have this tender quality?
I saw his selflessness this past weekend as he drove the 12 hour round trip to pick up his children and then repeated the drive yesterday to drop them off. He does it to maintain peace, to be cooperative, and because he knows he will be able to see his children. There are not many people in his situation that would do this. Many would insist on being met half way or fore go the drive all together, but his love for his children is such that I believe he would drive to the ends of the earth to see them.
I know that in the quiet moments after he has made the long trip with four lively kids in the car, and they have been dropped off, in the stillness his heart breaks. I know the drive back home is longer and more empty as he is alone with his thoughts and feelings. I know how he replays and treasures each special moment he spent with his children. It can be overwhelming for him.
This is where I want to say thank you, Matt for your loving example and the grace and dignity that you carry yourself with. I know this journey has been long and difficult, but somehow you have endured. I am amazed at the strength you possess and your determination to move forward. Thank you for becoming the spiritual leader in our home and guiding my boys as you do. They both love you as a father. I am so proud of you for never failing to be kind to your critics, those who never stop to say thank you or acknowledge your efforts yet continue to tell you how and what you should be doing. That takes so much grace( and a great sense of humor!!).
Thank you for being a wonderful husband, a great team mate, my best friend, and amazing father. I am excited for the upcoming new year and for the blessings that we will share. Thank you for all of your hard work and support and for all that you do for our family. It is noticed and appreciated. You are an inspiration to me and I love you with all of my heart.