A Real Man
I knew exactly what I was looking for in a husband long before I met him. If there is one thing my father taught me, it’s exactly what I didn’t want my husband to be like. I admit that many of my expectations were a bit high and unrealistic, but sometimes you have to aim high.
After watching N interact with his young nieces it was evident he loved children. We used to daydream about the fun things we’d do with our own children one day, how we would raise them and what we would teach them. I took 5 pregnancy tests to ensure I was really pregnant before I told him. The look on his face was priceless and in that moment I saw all the dreams we’d talked about run through his mind again.
Fathers can put on a good act and do the mundane things required, but real men do the things that aren’t expected. I know how lucky I am to have a man who truly acts in our child’s best interest and puts both of us first in his life. He makes us feel secure and loved.
Our lives seemed perfect, but after my car accident I wondered what might happen to our family. You hear of things like this tearing a marriage apart. The stress, the financial issues, etc… As I was laying in ICU one of my first conscious thoughts was what if he leaves me?
I never expected him to and I knew in my heart he wouldn’t, but the thought crossed my mind. Today, I feel extremely guilty for ever even thinking such a thing. What a discredit to him and our marriage.
I was scared. Scared I would die. Scared I would never see my son again. Scared I would be injured beyond repair. Disfigured. Disabled. Not the same.
And I’m not the same. Neither is he. Events like this change you either for the better or the worse. In our case, it’s been a mixture, but overall we know what we have and plan to keep it for as long as we’re allowed.
Our lives aren’t the same and I know they never will be. We’ve learned to accept it and move on. Although the future is uncertain, the only plan we have is to be together. That is our promise to each other and our son. Anyone can make that commitment, but it takes a real man to honor it.
Beautiful post!
Lovely.
And don’t they say, “Behind every great man is a…”
Well, is a…a Fenicle.
Is that the saying? Is a Fenicle?
I think it is.
sounds like you picked a winner. here’s to aiming high!
Glad you figured things out by learning from your father’s shortcomings. Me? I just gave up hope but found what I needed anyway, just not the first time around;>
I think all men named Nate are real men!
what powerful writing. and what a way to exit the “worst father” posts and on highlight the positive.
Exactly. How wonderful that you two have each other
Good on ya picking a good one.
Men are a crapshoot most of the time.
Extreme circumstances can bring out the best and the worst in people. Sounds like you have one of the best.
Nate sounds like a good man.
Oh, oh, oh! This is such a moving post. Looks like you both grew from what happened. And, like your love grew.
Sweet Post. Husbands are great! Love mine so much.