Happy wife, Happy life

I have a thought. Plus my camera is broken, so I don't have any pictures to post. SO I will just share my thought. A couple of days ago, I had a really bad day. Like a rip-your-hair-out, lock-yourself-in-the-bathroom-and-cry bad day. Nothing specifically terrible happened, but Brooklyn was whining all day and kept kicking me in the stomach, and I was tired and feeling more pregnant than usual. As you can imagine, by the time Craig got home, the beast came out. I was in a bad mood, and poor Craig got the brunt of it. The worst part is that I knew it was happening but I just couldn't stop it! (Side note: He took it like a champion.)

After he cooked dinner, and before he took Bucket out, cleaned up dinner, gave Brooklyn a bath and put her to bed (I know), and then studied, I huffed and puffed and growled, "I will be relaxing in my BED if you need me! But you better not need me!!" As soon as I got in my room, I thought of all the dishes that had been piling up over the last couple days (my belly and the height of our counters makes it really hard for me to do dishes), the leftover dinner on the table, and my ragamuffin child. I heard Craig say, "Come on, Brooklyn, let's go take Bucket out. Mommy needs to rest." That did me in. I thought of all the things Craig does for me - much more than your average husband, I believe - and without complaining. I knew he had to study for his CPA test, and although he wouldn't show it, I knew he was stressed. It's hard on him to have to pick up my slack, and honestly it's hard for me to let the slack be picked up. I like to be productive, and this pregnancy has really taken it's toll on me.

On to the thought. As I sat there, feeling unbelievable guilty, I knew there had to be something I could do to help. No, I couldn't do dishes, or give Brooklyn a bath, or study for him, but I could make it easier. As a wife, my responsibility is to help my husband and comfort him. And really, was I so tired that I couldn't even function? No. No, I was not. As tired as I was, I knew I was capable of a little bit more. So I got up, and started cleaning the kitchen. I put on some music that we all like, and started putting away clean dishes and filling up the dishwasher. I cleared off the table and put away the food. Now, I know you're thinking that's not a big deal, but it made a huge difference to him. The whole feeling of our house had changed. When he came in, I gave him a big hug and kiss and told him we make a great team. Which we do. Ahem.

So basically, my point is this. You may not be able to do all the things for someone that you want to, but you can sure make it easier for them to bear a burden. It's difficult to feel helpless, but even doing something so small as changing the mood will help the other person. That's all they need - someone to understand their efforts and help keep their spirits up. And that, I see, is my role right now in our marriage. Cage the beast and bring out the lovely, encouraging wife. PS my husband is a rock star. Just sayin'.