Dear Husband: My Worst is Thankful For Your BEST

Today has not been a good day. There is no silver lining. It isn’t your fault or any one thing. It is the build-up of so many little things.

I’m worn out and drained. I need a break from the constant scheduling of afternoon activities, meal prep, laundry, and daily household chores. I’m sorry I was passive and snapped at you when you tried to talk to me. I know you aren’t a mind reader and instead of explaining to you that I’m overwhelmed and frustrated, I decided to be irritated.

Instead of being so very grateful for everything you do for our family, I chose to focus on all the things I wished you had done today.

There are days when I am just tired of being the chauffeur, chef, co-worker, and housekeeper, that there isn’t anything left for you. Once the children are in bed, I just want to be selfish and focus on my own needs. I crave my own space. On these days I often realize too late that I didn’t even hug or acknowledged you with a thank you and a kiss.

Truth is, on those days when I’m hyper-focused on my do-to list the “good wife/partner” role gets pushed to the side. I’m so far from perfect, but I am so grateful that at my worst, you find a way to see the good in me. You reassure me that there is no need to apologize. You give me grace. You always find a way to make me smile and remind me that we are in this for the long haul – together.

You provide a safe space.

Parenthood is work – rewarding, but work nonetheless. It tests boundaries, pushing one to the brink sometimes. At the end of a hard day – the time I spend with you is the best part of the day. You make me feel so loved and appreciated. You make me laugh. You provide me with a safe space to vent. I know I’m not the best at telling you, but I am beyond grateful to have a partner like you. A partner that doesn’t run when the going gets tough but rather embraces me without conditions and the life we have created together.

Elizabeth Boudreaux
Elizabeth and her husband Nicholas have been married for 13 years. They live in Geismar with their 3 children, Addison (9), Parker (5), and Laurel (2). She is from Franklin, LA and moved to Baton Rouge after receiving her Master’s in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is a Budget Administrator for the Department of Public Safety. She relies on sarcasm, a dry sense of humor, and the occasional cocktail to deal with the daily demands of motherhood. She loves crawfish, clean sheets, vacuuming, and the latest crime documentary on Netflix.

1 COMMENT

  1. Dear Redstick Mom,

    What a great letter to a husband! You have made Nicholas the best person and the one he needs. The family y’all have created is just that, a family, your family! There’s so much to take on as a woman, you are showing us how to do it with fun, love and creativity.

    Although we’re miles apart, love for each of you holds true! Hugs from a distance!
    Aunt Markie G. Lazar 🙏⚜️🤗🥰

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