Guilty
It’s Jerimiah’s fault. He’s too multi-faceted for his own good. In the time it’s taken me to write the book, I’ve done the unthinkable.
I’ve started taking my husband for granted.
I didn’t see it coming. But somewhere along the way, I began to use him as a means to meet my personal goals.
I’ve needed his help for everything; from the actual writing to forming our publishing company. He’s edited not only every blog post I’ve written in the past year, but my entire book. Several times. For over three years, Jerimiah has worked a full-time job—usually close to 50 hours a week—and then come home in the evening to work on some project to make ends meet. The Kindle Fire we bought for my April 15 giveaway was originally going to be his Christmas present.
He has heard me whine incessantly about the challenges of being a writer. My lazy, unproductive days (there have been enough of them for me to take note) have all but slapped him in the face. I didn’t even write a dedication page to him in my book. The same book that would have NEVER been finished without him.
So. I don’t know how I’ll do it yet, but I’ve hatched an atonement strategy. One that will hopefully show him how much I appreciate all the sacrifices he’s made. I would normally keep something like this to myself, but I figure if I make my plan public, I’ll be forced to follow through.
I will sell enough books to take Jerimiah on an adventure out west. (I’m sorta torn between seeing the redwoods or the Grand Canyon.) And maybe I’ll get him a belated Kindle Fire too. 🙂
On that note, don’t let Jerimiah’s sacrifice be in vain. Make sure to get your name entered into the April 15 Kindle Fire giveaway!
It is so easy for us to take the things we love most for granted. But don’t despair…Jerimiah loves you to the moon and back and has shown it through his sacrifice and support during this journey with you. I know he will be thrilled to go on a westward adventure with you!! 🙂
🙂
He sounds like a keeper, Beth. Make sure you let him know every day!!
He is! And I shall. 🙂
Spouses are supposed to champion for one another’s dreams. You can thank him by helping him pursue his dream next. 🙂 PS: Just ordered my copy of Let Me Fall from your website because I want a signed copy for sure!
You make a great point!
I saw your order come in! Thanks friend. 🙂
No dedication page? :O I think I had my dedication page all planned out before I even finished my first, lol. But then, I’m nuts.
It sounds like you’ve got a good man. But he’s got a good woman. So you two are well-matched.
I vote for the redwoods.
Thanks for your two cents! 🙂
Oooh, I feel so sad for Jerimiah! As Adrianne said, he’s a keeper for sure! And as Kathy said, Jerimiah has shown his true colors in his support for you, but the trip idea would be the icing on the cake.
Allison’s idea could be applied to his dream next. Lots of thanks could come several times a week for several weeks. Setting a date by the end of the month for the trip west would encourage him…..
His birthday is coming up soon, so maybe you could wow him with a birthday gift he’s wanted for a long time but didn’t think he’d get. That’s better than a restaurant gift card, anyway.
🙂
I think it is wonderful to have such a sweet husband and that you want to atone. There may come a time you will have to do the same thing for him though, because I have found that most things even up in life.
That’s a cool line: “… because I have found that most things even up in life.”
Beth, I found your blog through Melissa Tagg and I’m so thankful. You have a way of just cutting right to the point. Example: “…somewhere along the way, I began to use him as a means to meet my personal goals.” I, too, have found myself doing this to my beloved husband. Thank God he his patient and forgiving. Thanks for putting words to this – it helps me keep my eyes open for the first signs of relapse. 🙂
Maggie, It’s so nice to meet you! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s been guilty of doing it (not that I’m glad for your struggles). And I’m even happier that your husband is patient and forgiving. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.