Raising your kids takes work and it takes work to make money; to achieve both it takes teamwork. Our kids crave and thrive on us showing them appreciation for jobs well done just as we do from our employers. Sometimes we forget to show our spouses the appreciation they deserve for all they do too.

 

In the hustle and bustle of the day, we focus on the kids, the house, the finances and our jobs without even thinking about the glue that's holding all the pieces together; our spouses. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture in my relationship and of those that are close to me, I see just how easily anyone could fall apart without their partner. I also see how easy it is to get wrapped up in everything and over look what and how much we do for each other, unless it's a designated Hallmark Holiday like Mother's Day and Father's Day. I have written before on how important it is to take time out for yourself and as a couple, but showing your spouse appreciation is on a whole different level to me. It's more than planning a day on the calendar once a week or month. It's more about an over all attitude change and view on your family unit.

 

A few days ago a mother dropped off her children before work as always. Both her and her husband work outside the home. Her husband commutes at least 2 hours each way for work and her schedule leaves her without much time at home with the kids and her husband. Each morning she drops her kids off you can almost see tears in her eyes when she hugs them goodbye and tells them that she'll see them the next morning.

 

Each afternoon, dad shows up right on schedule. He takes them home, helps with their homework, cooks dinner with an extra plate for mom, bathes the kids and puts them to bed all while making sure the house is clean for her to come home to. Without any complaint or even a hesitation he has taken on mom's old role. Now every morning when mom drops of her children, it's not just a tear of missing her kids but a tear of appreciation for everything her husband does for her and their children to keep the pieces glued together.

 

Listening to her that day when it had hit her like a tone of bricks just how much her spouse does for her and her family as a whole really made me take a step back for a better view of my spouse. No he's not perfect and nor do I claim to be but when I need him, he is always there. From volunteering as a coach for our child's sports teams to making spectacular dinners that he knows are my favorite just because and for no special reason. If I'm sad or upset he is always right there trying to make it all better no matter what he has going on. I always come first no matter what. Everyday I try a little bit harder to let him know that I love him very much for everything he does and my life just wouldn't be the same without him.