Part 1 of this series was written in September about my youngest son to honor him on his 27th birthday. As the year 2016 ends, I celebrate by honoring my husband, David, who was born on New Years Eve. I mention him often in my writing because we share so much of life together. Describing what I love and admire about Dave in about 500 words is possibly impossible, but here goes.
Of course, Dave is not just my husband. He was a son and brother for over 20 years before I met him, and he picked up his great work ethic, value of faith, and love of family from his farming parents and six older siblings. I have great admiration for the way he helped and cared for his aging mother as she lived as a widow and experienced Alzheimer’s Disease. His example certainly demonstrated to our school-aged sons what honoring a parent can look like. It takes self-sacrificing commitment to be a good son, a good husband, and a good father simultaneously.
When Dave and I met, he was living at home and finishing an accounting degree, while I was already working and living on my own. He was brought up in Catholic traditions, while I am from a protestant background. Once we married and decided to have children, this 25 year old man began facing and making decisions about how to provide for and lead his own family. I so appreciate the way he has considered my opinions and feelings in each step of our married life.
Dave and I shared the blessing of having had our mothers at home during childhood, so when we had our first child, we decided that I would stay home. Dave took part in raising our sons by being available for doctors’ appointments and school activities, taking us to church, and leading the boys’ Cub Scout groups. He put aside his love of farming for a career in newspaper publishing and passed along his strong work ethic by helping Eric and Kyle with paper routes. He has rarely missed a day of work and has earned much respect from employers and co-workers, but has also been faithful to be home at dinner time and to spend weekends with us rather than at work or on a golf course.
Father’s Day 2008 at Eric’s graduation from Otterbein College
My husband has shown his love for me by supporting me in my volunteer work and interests. When Eric and I were involved in the church praise band, Dave learned to run the sound board. When I have come up with a creative idea, he has helped me track down the supplies and make it happen. When Kyle wants to talk, his dad listens and encourages him.
I am so proud of what my husband has accomplished and so blessed by his strong Christian values that permeate every area of his life. Dave has become a role model and mentor, not only for our sons, but for other husbands and dads and for people with whom he works. He is at the top of my list of Good Men. Happy Birthday, David!