My Lighthouse

Many people I know will spend 30 days this month giving thanks for many things... one thing a day... updating their facebook statuses with the next thing on the list. That was me, last year. By the end of 30 days, I was exhausted with thinking about how to pay respects to all of the wonderful things in my life that I'm truly thankful for. Saying thank you just isn't enough - not when you live a life as complicated and diverse as mine. (And to think, I'm just an average person!)

This year, it isn't my loyal facebook friends who deserve to know what it is my heart holds dear... I owe my gratitude to God, and to my husband. This year - I'm thankful for my lighthouse. Before we ever married, Nicolas vowed to be there for me - tall, like a lighthouse; always there so that no matter how dark and stormy my life became, I could look to him. He has never let me down!

I've spent a lot of lonely nights in tents and hotel rooms around the world - weeks and months away from my love and our children. Turkey, Israel, Iraq, Diego Garcia, Sweden, Nevada... Not once did I ever have to worry about the well being of my family because Nicolas is strong, and independent, and loving. I never had to worry about him being unfaithful.

I've watched as he's given up HIS life for us... left a job, moved to another country, succumbed to life as Mr. Mom. EVERY day of the nearly 6 years of our marriage (and then some) he has cooked for us, done the dishes far more times than he should have had to... washed clothes, made beds, vacuumed floors... picked up way too many toys.

He's been my source of encouragement and support through my endless struggle to lose weight and stay "fit to fight." His warm embrace was an amazing source of comfort when I lost my aunt to cancer. Having him to fall asleep with every night, completes me.

It is because of this lighthouse that I'm able to cast our family into a dark and stormy sea... the unpredictability of relocation and major life change - because I know that he will guide us home.

This blog doesn't even do his service to our family, justice. It doesn't come close to describing the amazing love and friendship that we share. It's merely a public acknowledgement of and dedication to him... I know I tell him, but not nearly enough. Nicolas, thank you - for everything. I am so beyond grateful "that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you."