"Thank You"

          As I have gone back and reviewed my previous blogs, it has become obvious to me that through all of the stories and all of the ups and downs of being a SAHD, I have neglected to take a moment to thank the one that has made all of this possible.
          You see, in order to get promoted to the SVP of Household Operations, wifey had to work her tail off to get where SHE is. As I look back on our situation, I realize just how lucky I am . Most SAHD's,  or stay at home parents for that matter always talk about how thankless and difficult this job is. As I dig deeper, I realize it is relatively easy compared to the role of a working Mom.  Wifey has never once complained about the role she plays in our family. Never once while we were living in St Louis did she complain about all the late night flights home and hotel rooms she stayed in over the years to support our family. She tried to remain positive, but through all the late goodnight calls to the girls and I, I knew deep down she was missing them tremendously.
           I can't for a second imagine what it would be like to do what she did while we lived in Missouri. See, our initial move to the Midwest was not met with overwhelming joy. While it was a promotion for my wife, it also meant that the family was going to be relocating.  We were moving halfway across the country, away from family, and really had no idea when or if we would be moving back close to home. I don't know about you, but that would be pressure I would not want on my shoulders.  We told everyone that it was a two to three year deal, but in reality we had no idea how long the journey would be.
          When we initially made the move, she promised me that she would do everything she could to get us back closer to family. Now since I had worked for the same company for a long time, I knew this would be difficult if not impossible to deliver. You don't get to pick your next spot, and these positions only open every once in a while.  She knew that the move was a difficult one for me, and that plunking us down in the middle of nowhere was not going to be easy for anyone. It was going to require a new school, new friends, and not a family member within 1,000 miles to help during the transition.  She traveled every other week for the first year that we were there, and to say that it was difficult would be an understatement. But as I look back I realize now that it was just as difficult for her.  All the time that "I" was getting to watch the girls grow up, was in turn time that "SHE" was not.  I tried not to complain about my day or the girls when she called and put on a happy face for her when she walked through the door after a 3 day trip back East.  I tried my best to be conscious of the fact that she was missing the girls and the moaning about silly things would only make it more difficult for her.   But sometimes that was easier said than done.
          For two years almost to the tee, she delivered as promised.  Not only were we moving due to her promotion, we were headed back closer to home. Win-Win for all. Wifey would not have to travel anymore.  She would be based out of an office and really only have to do a day trip here and there. The kids are elated that Mom is home for dinner every night, and Dad is ecstatic that his better half is home every night to watch reality TV and chat with me on the couch.  Having her around is fantastic. You see, living the lonely life of a SAHD while wifey traveled was hard, but in the end, worth every second.
           So wifey,  this is me saying THANK YOU! Thanks for all the sacrifices you have made over the past few years, but most importantly, THANK YOU for allowing me to have this time with our girls.  It really has been the best few years for me. I have learned a great deal about myself and the girls.  The hard work that you have put in has paid off in terms of a very good life for our family. I do appreciate all that you do for us.  Not only are you a pretty good RVP:),  but you are an amazing wife and Mom!
We are all very proud of you and what you have been able to accomplish. That being said, do you think we might be able to stay here for a while? I kinda like it here.


SVP-OUT!