“I loved you before them.
But with them between us now, I love you even more.
Because we have been through so much together since them, because of them, with them.
Because while parenthood has tested our love, it has shown us a new love worth working for.
Because you show up for me, and them, and you never leave when pushed.
You stay.
You have always stayed.
You are the stay of us, our family.
You have seen me at my worst, my weakest, my most challenging of moments and tiredness of years.
Of pregnancies,
Of births,
Of postpartum.
Yet you hold my hand even tighter.
And you have worn my hard days.
Just as you wear them.
On your chest.
On your shoulders.
On your heart.
You carry them too, and relish in the weight of all that they are.
You have been there with me, in moments of them needing me, because I needed someone too.
Holding me, while I hold them.
Feeding me, while I feed them.
Consoling me, while I console them.
You have been my someone when I feel like everyone.
And you make their smiles shine even brighter, the only way you know how. Your own way.
With your jokes.
And your play.
And all the things I don’t have the energy for by 5 p.m.
You are why they don’t want to go to bed.
And why the weekends can’t come fast enough.
You are their light.
Just as you always have been mine.
But as a dad, you shine even brighter.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Emma Heaphy. You can follow their journey on Instagram, Facebook, and her blog. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
Read more from Emma here:
We Need Your Support, Even After The Newborn Phase Ends
Dear Newborn Mother, Please Know This Is What Productivity Looks Like
You Are The Reason I Get Up Each Morning—You Are The Light At The End Of Every Tunnel
Dear Husband, I Haven’t Forgotten About Us
Do you know someone who could benefit from reading this? SHARE this story on Facebook with family and friends.