Opening my fridge I hear a thud and attempt to catch the sour cream as it falls off of the overly crowded shelf. Ugh, another thing to add to my never-ending list of to-dos, I thought. I put the sour cream back and catch a glimpse of my Holy Grail, the best thing in the entire world, A COLD Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg. It’s Easter time and for some mythical reason that I have yet to figure out, the Christmas trees and the Easter Eggs are so much better than regular ol’ peanut butter cups. There it is waiting for me for when the mood strikes and the opportunity arises to sneak away and indulge. I didn’t put it there; my husband did, because he knows to me, a cold chocolate and peanut butter candy is better than just about anything. He knows that at the end of a long day, something sweet eaten ALONE is just what I need.
He knows I will never remember to bring my phone charger to bed with me and will make sure he looks for it and brings it in to the bedroom with him before we settle in for the night because he wants me to have a charged phone in the morning. Never uttering a harsh word.
He knows sometimes I just might start crying out of nowhere because hormones, and with an understanding tone will tell me to go walk around Marshalls for a little while, and even stop to get a coffee if I feel so inclined.
He knows the only thing I need when he comes home is to start “wrestle mania” with the two little boys who rush to the door to welcome a very tired Daddy home. Despite the exhaustion there he goes, down the hall, leading the parade of two little ones and a dog to give me a break, just for a little while.
He knows relationships are one of the most important things to me and sends me out regularly with my girlfriends, or my mom and sisters, sans kids. Because, how does one truly talk with toddlers?
He knows our kids are also his kids and never makes me feel like they are a burden to his plans. Like any mother’s heart, to mine seeing a dad love his kids with an unconditional love is a beautiful thing.
He knows I crave time with him especially during his busy seasons and will take lots of time carefully arranging child care, time off of work, and money to plan weekends away for the two of us and weekly date nights, even if it’s fast food and fishing.
He knows my faults, my shortcomings, and my weaknesses. He encourages me through my insecurities and pushes me past the limitations I’ve created for myself. He sees me as someone more powerful and strong, more than I see myself.
He is there to catch me when I fall after taking on too much, and is the best sounding board for future endeavors I want to take or goals I have set for myself. He is my cheerleader, my coach and my teammate.
He never asks for anything in return and deserves so much more than I can offer. He is the rock of our home, and the glue that keeps this whole thing together. He is my calm place on the hard days and the hand I am holding on the best days.
While some can just see the Reese’s Egg in the fridge, I can see years of selfless acts of love, done over and over again. A way for him to make sure our marriage will stand the test of time. So while it might seem like I am just saying thank you for the egg, I am really saying thank you for so much more.