Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I Finally Have a Hero


I am married to a hero, a super star. His name is Daddy. The shouts of glee and much awaited excitement confirm my hunch that he is... the man. Yes, they love me too. I know this. I have no issues of inferiority. But, I am very glad he’s their hero. Shouldn’t he be?

I get a little giddy over him too. When I see his car turn down our road, my heart skips as I jump from the couch, “Daddy’s coming!” He’s my savior--especially during this very long, rainy season of spring. We’ve been in the house all day long. Done it all. I’ve made play dough, read zillions of books, played school, wrestled, leapt from furniture shouting, “Super Mom!” made breakfast and lunch and snack and prepped dinner, and I’m pooped, done. He’s my knight in shining armor. He slays the dragon of monotony and fatigue.

After a day spent giving as a teacher, he comes home and gives some more. He shows genuine exuberance and joy at seeing our faces. The feelings are mutual. He raves about mommy’s cooking, supports my wish that all participate in cleaning up the dinner table, plays hours of living room soccer, creates mini-science experiments, changes diapers because, “I just can’t do one more,” and then helps me tuck them all into bed.

Then he listens. I need to process. I have things to say. This is when he really relies on his super powers. This is quite a stretch for someone who is a confirmed introvert. But he does it. Why? He loves me. This is also amazing. After eleven years I can tell he loves me even more than he did when he first married me and made those life-long vows to love and cherish and listen.

He lost our wedding ring a year into our marriage. He was helping someone with the plumbing on their house and didn’t realize it had fallen into the abyss of pipes and water pressure until he came home. A ring didn’t seem to fit his style anyway. I convinced myself it wasn’t a big deal. He was always taking it off to do this or that, so I suggested a tattoo. I mentioned this to a teaching colleague of mine and they said with warning, “Whoa, that’s permanent.”

Why would I ever give up something this good! You bet it is permanent. I’m glad we have a life-long arrangement. I’m glad that our first decade together is only a sliver of the years we have coming our way. Since having kids my love and adoration toward him has grown. I need him as much as the boys do. I’m better with him than I am without. I’m happy to shout, “Daddy!” I run for my hug too. I only smile when all three boys crowd on to his lap for our family movie nights, and I’m left to my lonesome on the couch. Everyone needs a hero, and I’m glad to be living life with mine.

11 comments:

heather said...

So well stated! M and I were talking last night about how much our society needs to see committed, lasting, joyful marriages. I am so glad you shared this.
BTW, I have always thought that a "ring tattoo" is a good idea for those in professions where a ring is not practical. ;-)

Jennifer said...

Love this post, R!!!

Laura said...

This is one of my top 3 favorite posts of yours ever!!!!

Jen Rouse said...

Awwww...so sweet.

Jacquie @ Joy Made Full said...

That's so wonderful! And isn't it great that in this day and age you have a husband and daddy for your crew around and so loving?

marilyn said...

You just caused the mother of 'the hero' to shed some tears. What a beautiful tribute to my precious son. I also know that he is ever so grateful to have you, his princess, & my 3 precious grandsons in his life. I love you, Rebekah!

Dawn said...

So good to hear...espicialy when I've known a few who are divorced after 5 yrs.
This is exactly how I feel about my man after 9yrs of marriage. Especially the part where you know that he loves you more than the day he married you. Thanks for writing, what I have yet to put into words. (Although my man, doesn't change the poopy diapers) : ) I can handle that.

Valerie Lapham said...

Awwwww....!

Jessica said...

Whoohoo! So glad you married such an amazing man (he did pretty well himself, I might add.) Love you both.

Carol said...

So good, Rebekah. At almost 33 years my heart still leaps when Ed's car pulls into the driveway.

Rebekah said...

I love that Carol!