A Tribute to our Husbands & Dads...

My husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary this week. Being so close to Father’s Day, I also started thinking about how grateful I am that he shoulders some of the parenting responsibility. Typically Darin and I have the same goals in mind when it comes to making decisions for both of our kids. Our perspectives and ways of achieving those goals, however, are often different. I think this has been a good benefit to both of our boys. We tend to balance one another out. Darin says I reside in the “glass is half empty” corner of the ring, which I prefer to call “realistic!” Definitely different perceptions-- all for the betterment of our offspring!

As new parents, we were in total survival mode during Peter’s first few years. Darin and I lived in our own worlds of grief and fatigue. We had to redefine ourselves, our new identities as parents of a medically fragile baby, and, ultimately, our sense of who we were as a family. Who were we as a couple? I have no idea. I don’t think we really even existed as a couple. We had some pretty dark years.

There’s a saying that goes something like, “that which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” I believe our relationship is a testament to the truth of that statement. I can feel the strength and wisdom we have gained, and it provides the foundation I stand on today. Being the parent of a “special” kid, is an experience like no other. If you haven’t lived it, then you cannot fathom the gut wrenching sadness, the overwhelming pride, and every possible emotion in between.

I’m so glad to have a partner as strong as my husband. He’s been the one holding me up when I didn’t think I could stand anymore, the one comforting our kids when I was too emotional or wrought with guilt or grief, the one who has steadily held it all together, and the one who has provided us with a comforting and healing home. For all that and so much more, I am grateful that he is the man I married and the father of my children.

Happy Father’s Day!