Wives and mothers, that’s who. How do we show our
appreciation? We grumble about dinner being late, or our clothes not being ironed
correctly. Other times we just don’t bother to take the proper time to express gratitude.
Throw me in that last category. You would think being a writer, I could find the
proper words, but it rarely happens.
This past weekend my wife and I attended a writer’s
conference. She wanted to come along because she wanted a relaxing weekend away
from the world. She intended to spend the better part of the weekend losing
herself in outlet malls and a local green market. Instead, the first day she
spent hours getting the tire fixed on my car that picked up a screw along the
road. Did she complain? No. She was perfectly content getting her nails done
while waiting for the tire to be serviced. While I was sitting in classes,
picking up a nugget here and there about learning how to be a better wordsmith
and eating more food then I should have, she was content to sit in the room and
eat a salad from nearest fast food joint.
At the day’s end after learning how her day was ruined, it
would have been very easy to show some gratitude for me not having to take care
of the car. What would have happened had she not been along with me? I would
have come out from the conference three days later wanting to go home after an
exciting time, only to be delayed for hours waiting for the tire to be
repaired. Oh, I imagine, I said thank you. But we all know there is a
difference between saying thank you and being grateful in your heart. Inside I
was grateful, but a weak thank you was all I uttered.
After the long weekend was complete and I was home, my
youngest daughter caught me in the kitchen to tell me she came to a realization.
She informed me how difficult it was being responsible for the family dog while
we were away. The dog had to be fed and let outside early in the mornings and
in the evenings. Our spoiled pooch starts to whine if she’s not let out at her
usual time before daybreak. My daughter realized how much work goes into caring
for others. Who did she tell? Me, not her mother who gets up and opens the door
first thing every morning.
Those are two small examples but ones that happen on a daily
basis. So much goes into running a family and household that we all take for
granted. I know dad’s do their share as well but let’s be honest. In most
families, the mothers and wives are the glue that keeps it all together. You don’t
have to wait for that one day a year on Mother’s Day to show them how much they
are appreciated. Find the words today.
Thank you to all the mothers and wives who keep us heading
the right direction on a daily basis. You are appreciated and even if we don’t say
it enough, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you.
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