A Synonym for Appreciate (Essay, Day 4: Final Draft)

A Synonym for Appreciate

SSM

Standing Orders
AKM
Due 8-13-11
Narrative Appreciation Essay

715 words

    I don’t really appreciate my husband. I say I do, but how can I even understand everything that he does? He single-handedly provides for his family, goes to work “in sickness and in health,” is helping me to become the woman and mother I want to be, and fills in as a human teddy bear when I need him. He juggles work, finances, friends, family, and a group, all while making sure that I am informed and a part of the decisions involving each of those categories. We share a dream for our future, and he is dedicated and working hard to reach that goal.
    He gets up and goes to work every day to provide for his family. The bills are paid, there is food in the pantry, and there is toilet paper in the bathroom thanks to him. He takes care of the simple material needs as well as the difficult ones, like fulfilling elaborate fantasies, keeping gas in the car, and remembering what brand of tampon I use. We’re moving at the end of the year so I can go back to school, and we moved away from his family because I missed mine. He sacrifices his needs and wants to provide for me. I don’t thank him enough for sheltering me from the rest of the world, and the way things could have turned out. My husband knows what is best for our family, makes a plan, and works to put that plan into action. I can trust him to help me make decisions in how I interact with the world around me, and who I interact with.
    Before we were married, I confessed to Andrew that I am afraid of being unable to control my emotions, and myself as a consequence of that. The women in my family, as far as I remember, have been manipulative and emotional. They sacrifice their husband’s pride, dreams, and needs for their own selfish wants. It hurts me to see what has happened to the strong men in my family over the years, and I never want my husband to suffer like that. He has promised to help me keep my emotions and impulses in check, and with his help, I am growing to recognize and control my irrational moods. I still have a long way to go, but when I lose control of my temper, I know that my husband will quickly step up and remind me of his place and mine in our household. He knows what I am capable of, and holds me accountable for my attitude and responsibilities, keeping high expectations of me. He chose me, and loves me for who I am, and accepts everything that I am and will be. I will never understand that, but I am thankful. Even on my worst days, he never leaves for work without telling me he loves me.
    In the situation where I must put my opinion out there and make a tough decision on my own, he supports me. I know that he will always side with me if it’s important, even if I’m wrong. He knows when I need him, and offers emotional support, whether in the form of hugs, cuddles, or just a look to let me know that he’s there for me. I know I only have to ask, and he’ll snuggle, no matter what time, day or night. He dries my tears, helps me grieve, and protects me from myself and others who would harm me. My husband is my comfort and my security blanket.
    My husband works hard every day to make sure that his family is safe, sane and cared for at all times. I wish I could fully explain how valuable he is to me. There are times when I lose my cool and say things I regret, but I’ll never forget everything he has done for me. Without my husband, I am incomplete, and I have no clue how I would ever have survived without him and his help. Thank you Sir, for loving me, taking care of me, helping me overcome my fears, and training me to be the submissive and woman I want to be.