But at the end of the day, he deserves so much more than my leftovers. And that doesn’t mean I can’t be exhausted.
That doesn’t mean I can’t have hard days.
That doesn’t mean I can’t focus on the kids when they need me.
That doesn’t mean I can’t jump in the shower once bedtime routines are complete.
That doesn’t mean I can’t tell him I need a little alone time.
It just means that I am more aware.
It means that I consider him.
It means that I recognize his needs.
It means that I listen — really listen — when he tells me about his hopes and dreams and fears.
It means that I know what makes him feel most loved.
It means that I get away with him — just him — when we can.
It means that I pray for him and with him.
It means that I love him well, and I give my kids the unparalleled gift of witnessing that love and that makes me a better mom.
A love that’s far from perfect, yet never gives up. A love that isn’t always easy yet is always worth fighting for. A love that puts another before yourself yet accepts the same in return. A love that is difficult to prioritize, yet you do it anyway.
So I don’t put my husband first because I’m a terrible mom.
I put him first because I’m a great one.
