My heart is spilt three ways.
There is more than enough room for each of them, and each are loved in different ways.
They never have to question it. My heart is always on my sleeve.
But still…they have their moments.
He’s getting attention because his knee hurts.
I want you to play cars with ME now.
You always read his books.
I don’t want to play with her dolls.
And then, of course, the third. The one who came first but now has to talk the loudest to be heard.
I will never forget the moment when I realized that I needed to do better.
Nuzzling my face against my baby boy, I whispered sweet questions between mother and son.
Who is the sweetest boy in this house?
Who gives mommy so many kisses?
Who always has such a big smile for mommy?
Who is mommy’s best guy?
My sweet boy, on cue, responded as he always does, “Mommy, you’re MY best guy too!”
But it was the voice behind me that caught me off guard. Joking on the outside, with just a hint of truth lurking beneath the surface.
I thought I was your best guy…
Said with a smile and arms wide open…but still, it gave me pause.
My original best guy needs to hear the words…
The “I love yous” are everywhere and the gratitude expressed often.
The family time is sacred and the hugs and kisses too many to count.
But still…
With young children come busy days, constant tasks, and complete and utter exhaustion. Fun? Yes? Miraculous? No question. But tiring? Without a doubt.
And sometimes, just sometimes, that extra piece of the heart carved out specifically for a spouse might just feel a little bit smaller.
Rest assured, it’s not. It might shrink into the background just a bit when the days feel long…but it continues to beat. It continues to glow. And it always continues to grow.
Provided that we remember to pause and nurture it.
Take care of that very large piece of your heart…it’s what makes your family a family. It is what holds you all together and teaches your children how to love.
Love is all you need.
And there is more than enough room for three “best guys”, after all.