Midnight quotes

Midnight is a logical time to crave starburst and while spending time in a hospital is hell on a diet, there are vending machines at my beck and call.

So tonight I went on a mission that took me down the elevator and towards the cafeteria...it's a trek. It's Starburst for crying out loud, so I do what has to be done. And on my trek down three floors I was (stuck) in an elevator with two teenage girls and a lot of giggles and midriffs and one gem of a quote that I must share...

"Wesley makes me smile even if I am feeling fat plus he has the coolest shoes...I'm going to marry him someday"

I mentally gagged and counted the years that Linley and Piper would be allowed to roam a hospital unchaperoned and then added 10 years to that. Then I gagged again and pulled myself together and attempted to remember what qualities I desired on a husband when my own self were 14.

This was an interesting thing to do because I was "going out" with the boy who would someday become my husband when I was 14 years old. And while he did indeed make me laugh and he did indeed wear the oh so popular Vans, I would be much remiss if that was all he brought into our marriage 8 years later. Sure enough, when I was fat (ha) with both of his beautiful daughters he did indeed find me beautiful but his repertoire of admirable qualities has blossomed.

Today when our youngest was in need of a sponge bath while fighting for her life he rolled up his sleeves and tenderly helped me. Chad wiped the dead skin away from Pipers arms while being cautious of the many needles and bandages and lines coming from all over her sweet little body. Many men would not have been able to handle the gentleness of being an oncology father. When Linley was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at 3, it was Chad who nightly gave our sweet firstborn a shot in her smooth skin and then soothed both her and mines tears with M&ms. He continues to encourage Linleys confidence even as she notices the difference in her size and other 7year olds. Not many men would be able to handle the emotional balance of a small but beautiful little girls self esteem.

And when I push Chad away as I break down with worry, fear, disappointment or frustration he generally waits for me to rage and come back. Sometimes he gets a deserving hug, sometimes I answer the phone when he calls and sometimes I remember to seek him out as a partner and appreciate the laughter he is able to heap upon these hard days we live.

Obviously I am a difficult woman to me married to...or so it's been said.

So here's to you Wesley. Here's hoping your shoes are as cool as Vans and that your laugher is positive and reaffirming. Should you marry this girl you have so wooed I pray you are able to look past her swollen feet and encourage her all the way to the births of your sweet children. And should your children ever need gentleness or a boost to their self esteem, I pray you have the guts to be the sort of partner that Chad has chosen to be today.