I am married to an extremely generous man!

Fourteen years ago this Spring, we were planning a move to Great Falls, Montana so Eric could open up their first community clinic. Cole and I loved Montana. For the first time, I was able to be full-time mommy. We would take walks, visit the library, go to preschool and play, play, play. Living in a small town with an Air Force base was like coming home for me and I was in heaven. While I was enjoying myself, Eric was miserable. The job turned out to be micro-managed by a paranoid director of the Health Dept. Why are you thinking of this now, you ask? Well, we will be making our first trek back to Great Falls on April 2-4 for a Civil Air Patrol Regional drill competition at Malmstom AFB. The fact that Eric is even willing to set foot back in Montana is a miracle and that he was willing to drive his son so Cole wouldn't miss too much school and a lacrosse game is a real sacrifice for him.

Eric sacrifices so much not just for me and the kids but everyone around him. When we were leaving Sam's Club the other day, a woman was struggling to push her cart and deal with a toddler and newborn. Without saying a word, Eric took her cart and then asked her to direct him to her car. He is incredible with kids and they must know it because the toddler in the cart was immediately calm, talking with him.

Eric would rather get 3-4 hours of sleep a night doing homework late into the night and early morning so he can be to his kids games, PT conferences or just watch a movie with them. They are teenagers so I don't know that they seem so grateful to him--they take it for granted that Dad will be there for them--but I notice and it makes me love him more for it.

Four and half years ago, Eric made the decision to give up his own home and move in to help his parents take care of their house. It has been a sacrifice for Eric as he has a real specific style and level of cleanliness that isn't achieved in his parents' home. He has to be the go-between for the two families sharing space and that can put him in an uncomfortable position, but he always rises to the occasion. He will change his plans to help his parents with a project--again, I'm sure he thinks no one notices--but I do!

Eric works some weeks more than 50 hours so he can keep the Neo-natal program functioning for the State. When I say he is the one that keeps everything flowing, it isn't a wife commenting but a co-worker. He is greatly admired by all who work with him for his extra effort, his ease with children and his humor.

When we took the kids to Disneyland several years ago, Eric disappeared while we were waiting in line. When he returned he was carrying a bag from the Hat shop. He put a tiara on Syd's head and told her it was for his princess. He then put one on my head and told me it was for his queen. And that is exactly how he treats me. I am spoiled by my husband. He does so many things for me, I couldn't even begin to list them. Here are just a few: he will help me with any project at my parents house, cook, clean (even the bathroom), do laundry, dress me (yes, I have no style without him), encourage me, argue with me (we have political discussions), and tells me he will be around to push my wheelchair when I can no longer walk from my back disease.

So, you see, I am married to an extremely generous man! He is one of the last of his breed!