The best hubby, EVER!

I'm constantly amazed at what a great husband and father Duane is. Lately, I've been very busy with photography and he has stepped right up to the plate to help out in any way he can. He has always treated and spoke of our children as though it were a privilege they are ours. He treats me with this same respect. Even after a I side swiped a stationary van when I was rushing to drop dinner off to a sister in the Branch about a week ago. He kindly got out of the truck, inspected both vehicles and listened to some black chicks yell at him from across the street telling him where the owner lived. Then he found the owner and the two of them came out to see the damage. Thankfully, the owner didn't care too much (they car is worth about the same as our truck (less than $1000) and told me to come by some day and slip a $20 bill into his window. It wasn't until the next day that he said anything about the accident (and even then, it was in a joking manner).

The last several days we've been running on little sleep in an attempt to be ready for our vacation to Arizona. I can hardly believe how well Duane does on such little sleep, because if I don't sleep well for more than 1 night, you had better steer clear! It hardly seems to phase Duane. Before meeting Duane I really didn't think I was a very high-stress person because I knew several other people who almost couldn't live without it. Compared to Duane, I am a stress freak. I will spare you the countless examples except this one.

Today, Duane's flight left at 5:10 so our plan was for him to get off at 3:00 to be home in time to leave by 3:30, well, that didn't happen. At about 15 min. to 3:00 he called to tell me I'd have to pick him up (instead of him riding his bike home) because he was going to be running behind. I had the kids in the car and were waiting outside the hospital by 3:30. He didn't get out to the truck till very close to 4:00. I was ready to rush us out to the airport when I was haunted by the idea of me sideswiping another stationary vehicle, so I asked if he'd like to drive and he did.

I was a little nervous about him getting to the airport on time, but he was very calm. I did not verbalize my tension, but checked the clock constantly (because what else do you do in rush hour traffic?). The whole way there he was chatting and playing games with the boys; just enjoying their presence. By the time we got to the airport it was 4:30 and instead of rushing off, he took the time to say goodbye to each person individually. I love that!

Thank you, Love, for being our buddy and for taking the time to think about us over yourself!

*note to self: copy and paste this entry into Duane's Father's Day card.