Let’s talk about mom
We need to talk about my wife.
You see, this blog is about my experience as a Special Needs dad. But - to keep things honest around here - I’m not Jude’s primary caregiver. Nor am I her favorite parent. It’s her mom, my wife, Megan who shoulders most of the load. She’s Jude’s person. Here are some things Megan does for Jude that I typically don’t.
Changes diapers (I change them, but not nearly as much as Megan)
Takes her to therapy in St. Louis twice a week.
Does her hair (I can, but it doesn’t look as good)
Gives her medicine
Helps soothe her when she can’t sleep
Buys her clothes
Prepares her meals
Takes her into stores when necessary (this one is sometimes tricky)
Takes Jude to birthday parties for family and friends
One story shows the difference between my wife and I. Megan, a photographer, has a series of photo sessions today. Jude had trouble sleeping at night. Instead of letting her do her own thing, Megan laid down by Jude, helping to calm her so she could get some rest.
Sadly, my attitude toward the situation would have been annoyance. I would have been frustrated. I would be thinking “I don’t have time for this - I have a busy day tomorrow”.
Megan’s attitude was quite the opposite.
I woke up to start writing this blog. Megan was making her breakfast and said “I love when Jude’s super tired and you’re laying down by her and her little face almost touches yours. It’s the cutest thing ever.” She even held her hand in front of her face to demonstrate how close Jude was.
And that’s why Jude’s favorite person is Megan. She cries when Mom leaves. She screamed for 10 minutes straight yesterday (I timed it) when Megan got out of my car.
Our family doesn’t deserve Megan. She’s seen the worst in all of us. But she keeps showing up. Keeps helping us. Keeps us laughing.
And she loves us better than anyone on earth could.
So in this blog, we’ll talk about my experience as Jude’s dad. But just know, it’s limited compared to what her mom experiences.
God thank you for Megan. Thank you for her attitude, personality, sense of humor, and ability to love us. Thank you for picking her to be my wife and to be Jude and Miller’s mom. Help change our hearts and attitudes, like Megan, to see the good in situations and people.