If I am, then he isn't?!

A few weeks ago, Craigley was really upset. He wondered if I was complaining to family, friends, neighbours and perfect strangers about him being a bad husband?!

The outburst made no sense. According to almost everyone we surround ourselves with, Craigley is a great husband! In fact, G would say that I won the lottery when I married Craigley. And Craigley had issues with G at one point in time!

It seemed like there are new issues to tackle and they are with me this time around!

So, I wondered out loud as to what led Craigley to this crazy conclusion?! Turns out that everyone he ran into in the neighbourhood was hell bent upon letting him know what a good wife he has! So, how does that make him a bad husband? Apparently, it does.

Craigley's background is Mathematics, but only Craigley can understand his logic.

So, it was wonderful that our doorbell rang last night! It was the mother of one of Hans' classmates. Yesterday, the boys had 2 soccer games where they represented their school and won both the games. Some parents couldn't attend and some of us could. I knew that this particular parent recently went back to work and she would have wanted to be there for her child. So, in the middle of it all, I called her to give an update. She was obviously at work and I got her voice mail. I took the opportunity to leave a lengthy message. Apparently, she was thankful for my call and decided to drop by with some flowers and treats.

The first words that came out of her mouth when she saw Craigley were, "Your wife is amazing!".

Although it was a bit of a hyperbole, I appreciated her words. I really needed Craigley to know that people say kind things about people because they are thankful in some way and not in opposition to their feelings for someone else!

Since I am home and I have the time, I help neighbours with picking up their mail or watering their plants or simply smiling at them and stopping for a chat. These are small things and apparently people appreciate them. So, they let Craigley know about them! Perhaps they need to elaborate instead of just saying what a good wife he has!

Personally, I do believe Craigley is a good man. He is amazingly generous to the people in his life. Our friends appreciate his hospitality when they come over.

Together, both Craigley and I do our best to be decent role models for the boys. And hopefully, the boys are paying attention.

Today, ASid is doing some project work at a friend’s home after school. I suggested that ASid pick up flowers for his friend's mother and thank her. This is a woman who has frequently picked up and dropped off ASid from various locations to our home. I wanted ASid to learn from the mother who dropped by our home last night. Today, I wanted him to pay it forward by thanking another mother.

Noteworthy Remarks: We are not competing with each other as parents. We are working together and helping each other. Some days, some of us get more recognition than others; but that is momentary and life goes on. There are always many opportunities to do our best. Rewards are inconsequential and if they show up, we must accept them with humility and reciprocate.

Here is a reminder for Craigley if he happens to drop by!