The Measure of a Man

Like Dan, I've been thinking about the passage of time and how quickly it all seems to go. Now, with the "blessed event" just around the corner, I been doing a lot of reflecting on this little life that's begun, and how much it matters to be born into a family who loves you almost from the moment you are conceived. To be surrounded from the very beginning with unconditional love is such a blessing in this confusing, complicated world. How wonderful it is to have a whole gaggle of people clammering just to love you!

In my world, I've always been blessed that very same way. My parents, to this day, love me no matter what, and I have known my whole life that they are standing right behind me. I've never known a day where I haven't felt loved.

I've gone through all these thoughts to get to one place. My greatest blessing in life (and my cup has always been overflowing with blesings) is my precious husband Dan. He is the solid rock I have loved and counted on since I was just a girl of 16. He always seemed so much more mature than I was, and I now know that he was just wise beyond his years. He knew that if he could just hold on until I grew up a little, together we would be a force to be reckoned with!

From the very beginning, he always had my best interests at heart. Once the children came, he was the image of what a Father should be. I know that sometimes he wishes he could go back and do some things differently, but all you have to do is watch and listen to the way Patrick and Rachel talk about him to see how much they respect and adore him. He is, simply, a wonderful man.

When we speak about success, we often talk about how much money someone has, or how much fear his name can evoke. I don't think about it in those terms. I consider the lives he has touched and the people he has loved. Was he trustworthy? Was he loyal? Did he always put his family ahead of his desires or needs? Will he love you no matter what? These things are the true measure of a man. Placed on the true scale of life, my Dan is the very essence of success! I have loved him since I was a little girl, and I pray that I get to love and appreciate him until I'm a very old, old woman!!! He is my boy!!!