This is a partnered post with MetLife. As always, all thoughts and opinions stated are my own.
From the moment I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I knew I wanted to be the best mom possible to my children. During my pregnancy, I had dreams about motherhood and envisioned a life full of laughs, hugs and love.
Early on during my first pregnancy my husband lost his job and it was the first time in our married life that I truly felt hopeless and scared. I was pregnant and my husband didn’t have a job to support us. To make a long story short, he quickly found a job that required him to work nights. That job led to another job (where he still works today) that has provided for us since our first baby was about six months old. Because of his job, I was privileged to be able stay home and take care of our growing family.
My husband doesn’t like this job, but he stays because he knows it provides well for our family. He pushes through the long days because he knows he has to for us. He spends holidays away from us because the only holiday he gets time off is Christmas. It’s hard, for all of us, because we miss him on special days when it seems like the rest of the world is enjoying family time together.
He wakes up at 3:30am each morning to be at work by 5:00am, and he goes to sleep at 10-10:30 every night. The long days leave him completely exhausted and worn out.
But…
He continues on and he’s a extraordinary father to our children. He coaches baseball because our middle son loves to play. He spends evenings outside dribbling the basketball and shooting hoops with the kids because the older two like to play. He helps the youngest play video games because he loves to play but some games are a little too hard for him. He’ll spend hours building LEGO kits because that is what our boys like to do. He comes home from working 12 hours and washes the dishes, folds the clothes, and sweeps the floor because I didn’t get around to it during the day.
He’s simply incredible. And he never complains.
But I know he feels trapped in his job. He wants to do something different. But his job is safe and there is no way he will give that up in an effort to make things a bit easier on himself.
As parents, that’s what we do for our children. We give up everything that we are, everything that we want, everything we need, simply because we want the best for our children.
A Dream for my Family
I want my children to know how much we adore them, how much we love them, and that we will do everything we can for them. I want them to know that hard work pays off, that living with integrity and honesty will get them everywhere they want to go. I want them to know that in everything we do we have their best interests in mind. I want them to know that we will support them in all their endeavors. I want them to know that until our last breath on this earth that they will be our first priority.
And to my husband, I want you to know that I love your devotion to our family. I adore your heart and how freely you give of yourself. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication to your job that supports our family. But, I want you to reach for your dreams. I want to see you accomplish your wants and desires. I want to see your eyes shining brightly again. I want to see you proud of who you are, because I’m proud of who you are. And your kids, they are proud of their father. You have shown them that they are special, that they are loved, and that you would do anything for them. You have shown them what it means to be a father. Thank you!
This recent video from MetLife had tears rolling down my face. Although our story is a bit different from this man’s story, it still made such an impact on my life. This father reminds me a lot of my husband. He goes through the motions because that is what he is supposed to do. He goes to work every day at a job he hates because he feels that he has to. And in all of it, I love him more for it. He’s an incredible example of a real man and true father.
Do you have a dream for your children or family? Share it on social media using the #DreamForMyChild hashtag.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My dream for my children has always been to be the best mother I could be to them. I had an amazing mom and I try so hard to raise my boys the way she raised me & my siblings.
Michele says
You truly have a wonderful husband and he obviously loves all of you with all his heart. I hope that one day he will be able to follow whatever dream he has once the kids are grown–and that you and he remain in love forever.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Did you land a keeper or what?! Everything about your hubby is the definition of a true man.
Michelle F. says
You have adorable children and an amazing husband! My husband works sometimes long hours to provide for us and so I can be a SAHM to our daughter. I feel so lucky 🙂
Catherine S says
Sounds like you have a wonderful husband. It is such a joy to be a stay at home mom. I was for years and loved every minute of it. Now I work, but I work from home. My dream/goal is to be the best wife and mom I can be and lead by example for my son.
Marina says
We share the same dreams and Hubs is just like Ryan is so many ways. We have so much to be thankful for. I just pray my kids will love the LORD with all their heart and serve Him all the days of their lives and will be blessed with loving, supportive, godly spouses, health and beautiful children.
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
My dream for my family is happiness mostly. Also, I hope to always feel secure in our finances.
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
Such a lovely post. My dream for my family has always for them to not make the same mistakes I’ve made in life and to succeed where I could have done better. I’m always encouraging them including my husband to follow their dreams.
Jeannette says
Our situation sounds eerily similar to yours and I too relate to the feeling that I would do anything for my children and have a hubby who does the same, even when it’s hard on him. We are lucky indeed!
Pam says
I dream that my children will go even further in life than me and my husband were able to. Luckily my husband has a job that he enjoys, but I know many aren’t so fortunate.
Liz Mays says
I feel for him having to go through the grind day in, day out and not getting any satisfaction from it. What a sacrifice he’s making!
Sandra - The Foodie Affair says
You are lucky indeed to have such a dedicated husband to you and your family. I hope his satisfaction comes from knowing his family is well taken care of. He couldn’t do it without your support. Blessings to you all!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Single girl with no kids, right now my dreams revolve around travel, white sandy beaches and down time from my busy life in the city! 🙂
Lovely photos of your family!
Marcie W. says
What a beautiful post! I am fairly certain I have said this before, but our husbands (and families) are so very similar. My husband worked in a position that required ten hour work days, five days a week and had to sacrifice missing a lot of school functions, fun events and gatherings to provide for our family. After ten years in that position he was recently promoted to lead manager two months ago. This not only involved a larger salary, it also allowed him to be present and around more, something far more precious to us! We are both so blessed Crystal.
Cinny says
Aww, how sweet. It really is incredible what our spouses will do for us.
Debbie Denny says
Wonderful story. Really a great family.
Julie says
What a beautiful tribute to your husband! My dream is for my kids to feel loved, too.
Chrysa Duran says
Yes don’t we all have dreams for our family. Your story is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I love this campaign and will do it with the social media using the #DreamForMyChild hashtag.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
I love that video. I want my kids to have the best I can get them – love, experiences, stuff and more love.
Debra says
Such a lovely post. Beautiful!
Jenny Temcio says
He sounds like such a great father! I have a friend who’s husband works a similar schedule.
Gena says
That was truly beautiful! Your hubby sounds amazing and it’s likely because you’re amazing yourself! So happy to read this. Hopefully he can get a better job and some sleep, too! Bless your sweet family!
James Hills says
Sounds like you have a great guy – life is tough but it’s always helpful to have a partner to face the challenges with!
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
My husband is a great man too and not only does he love and care for all our kids-he treats me well-setting a great example of what marriage is supposed to be like-You have a beautiful family God Bless!
Ellen Christian says
Sounds like a great guy. It’s definitely not an easy situation.
Beth@KCMompreneurs says
It sounds like you have an amazing husband and father for your kids. Don’t mind saying I am jealous!!
Marina @ Mommy Snippets says
My dream for my children is to instill in them the Christ like values that will help them get through life. I dream they are happy, secure, and well rounded.
Rachelle J says
My dream for my child is to make sure she never has to struggle for anything. My husband works nights, and I work from home during the day to make sure she never goes without.
Grace Hodgin says
My children are now adults but my wish for their lives was to be the best person possible and approach life each day as a gift. Both of my children are incredible adults and makes my dream fulfilled by each of them daily.
Ashley Sears says
I’m blessed with a husband like this too. We’ve been through job losses, and now he works nights six days a week. He doesn’t particularly like his job but feels it’s his job to provide for us. Having guys like ours is a blessing!
Avry Byington says
Wow I really loved your story. Your husband sounds like an amazing man. 🙂
Christie says
What a sweet story of appreciation for your husband! I hope you all reach yoru dream!
Rosey says
He does sound wonderful. I understand him not wanting to switch jobs. My husband is a writer at heart but he won’t leave the job he’s had for 22 years. The safety just isn’t there to do it.
Kristin says
My dream is for my children to be happy no matter what stage of life they’re in!
valerie g says
you have a great father and husband. I wish more were like that. i hope he finds a job that both pays well and more importantly one he enjoys. you have a precious family.
veronica says
My dream for my kids is to walk in the way of God and not be influenced by the world’s standards.
Alison says
Ahh — without dreams, there is nothing to look forward to. Sounds like your hubby is a stand up guy and I hope that all his hard work pays off and he can find a job that he can be excited about and take care of all his family obligations some day.
Amanda says
My dream for my children is that they are happy and healthy! I can’t ask for much more than that!
Joy Williams says
My dream for my children is that they are healthy, feel secure and walk in the light of Christ.
Carly says
Aw, I love this……my husband works really long hours too and leaves early!
Caitlin says
You all are amazing parents and isn’t it incredible to have a man that just loves and doesn’t focus on the clutter and crazy of the stuff life can bring. How amazing is having a partner like that. I love that you are pushing him to go for his dreams. You are a great wife and mother too!!