God brought to my mind a few reasons why I loved Neal. He always believed in me and encouraged me to develop as a person. When I was thinking about going to seminary he told me to go for it knowing that it would be a big commitment for him. Most of my school work was on line but for 2 weeks in the fall and 2 weeks in the spring I would go to Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. That meant Neal would work all day, come home fix dinner, do the laundry and help with whatever the kids needed. I started school when Britton and Grant started college, Whitney started high school, Karsten was 9 and Collin was 7. Seminary was 3 1/2 years, a month out of every year I was away. He was always interested in what I was learning and even read some of my books. I was being challenged and God was working in my life. But the cool thing was Neal came along on the journey. God was working in him on some of the same issues. It was a good growing time in our marriage.
Another thing I thought about was that when one of the kids were being disrespectful to me (yes, it occasionally happened), Neal would say to them, “That is my wife. You will not treat her that way.” That made me feel so loved and appreciated. It also sent a message to the kids that your spouse is someone you better respect yourself and stand up for that person.
Time and communication with me was important to Neal. After dinner he and I would sit at the dinner table and have a cup of coffee. The kids were suppose to clear the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher and then not disturb us unless someone was bleeding. This was our time to get caught up on what happened that day. If there was a discipline issue with one of the kids or a decision to be made, this was when we talked through and made sure we were on the same page. This also sent a message to our kids that mom and dad love each other, talk to each other and things are good at home.
Neal also complimented me in front of the kids or complimented to the kids about me. Basically, he made me feel loved and valued.
I could go on but that is probably enough for now. I was blessed to be married to Neal.
Can you feel the smile on my face?
On the journey,
Trish
PS I am going to see my roommate from seminary days later this week!