Precious

Over the past couple months, while my dad was at his worst and I helped my mom care for him and give her support, I have had many wonderful caregivers over here at the Gibson house. But the best one of all was the boys' daddy. Dave stepped up and gave me the freedom to do what I needed to do for my family in my dad's final days. I haven't told him enough how much I appreciate him for what he has done, and I don't know if I could ever convey it to the fullest. (I think I use that line a lot. Anyway...) He is a super person - always giving and not getting enough (especially in a particular area - ha!) My Dave might not make my birthday the grandest day for me. But for the rest of the year, he makes up for it every day by being there for me, by standing beside me at my best and worst, by loving me no matter what. He also is one of the most superb fathers around. From birth on, he has dove in to help in any way he can - from diapers to baths to feeding to putting on clothes. He is also exceptional at putting the kids to bed. The prayers, even though I tease him about how long they are ("congregational prayers"), he offers up to God with the boys are simply amazing. Those boys don't know how good they have it, learning to pray from such a Godly man. And learning how to lead a life of honesty and integrity from such an honorable man. And learning how to love unconditionally and without prejudice and judgment from such a self-less man. These boys are blessed. (I thank God at least there is one sane parent in this house. Kidding.)

Anyway, now that I have pumped him up, let me tell you what he thinks of them after having had to watch them so much lately. Here's the e-mail he just sent me:

"I figured out what to do with the Goose."




Gise gets into everything, is running around everywhere, hardly ever sits still. In addition to our crazy baby, the other boys demand a lot, needing things done instantly, whining, etc. Dave cannot handle this. Wait, he can handle it, but isn't too happy while watching them.

He is back at work today, away from the busyness and craziness of our home. He will come home refreshed, look at those boys and love them no less than when they got on his nerves. He will play tackle with them, he will shoot Nerf guns with them, he will put them to bed and check on them again before he goes to bed himself. Even if the day has been a bit unsettled, he will look at those sleeping children through his loving eyes and thank God for the way they are.