The Things I’m Grateful For
2. I’m Grateful for My Wife
I had given up on the idea of marriage. My first had ended in divorce. It wasn’t easy, and after five years of wrestling with the impact, I was scarcely prepared to have a healthy relationship. I wasn’t even sure I knew what a healthy relationship was. Then I met my wife.
It was a surprise. A week after my 35th birthday, the event where I had decided to stop dating and completely devote myself to work and public service, she was standing on my front porch.
I spent the whole day campaigning for County Clerk out at the Winnebago County Fair. It was hot and by the time I came home, I was sweaty and sticky, only to find the most beautiful woman I had ever seen up close talking to my roommate and a mutual friend.
Why I Am Grateful
There was no way for me to know she was the love of my life. But I knew I was going to take a shower and come back out to talk to her. Of course I was.
I don’t know when I knew I found the woman I was going to marry. It was just waking up one morning and realizing I was living the life that I’d always wanted. It’s the life I imagined when I thought about growing up and having a family.
If we had never met, I wouldn’t be a father. I would never have owned rabbits. Our dog would have been adopted by someone else, or worse, put down. I would probably be living in the same house I started my adulthood, completely devoted to work and public service. And I would have missed all the joys of love and family. I wouldn’t truly understand what I’m trying to protect as I run for office now.
She opened the door to my heart and unleashed my potential. It’s more than being a good husband and hopefully a good father. She makes me a better man. And I am forever grateful.
