Can't Help Lovin' that Man of Mine

     Stormy wrote a beautiful post here and it really made me think about Lash's job and our ups and downs.  When we were first married, I was lonely a lot when he worked late, but I also worked odd hours and we got used to our evenings and nights alone.
     When it was time to settle down in his career, he chose a job that paid less but offered shorter work hours and more vacation.  Our kids were young then and he was able to spend more time with his family.
     Gradually, decisions were made at work that meant longer work hours for him and less time with family.  It was hard on him in many ways and the stress took its toll on all of us.
     Finally, about 10-12 years before retirement, he decided to chuck that job and begin free-lance consulting so that he could work about half-time.  It had some drawbacks but it made sense for us and allowed us to spend more time together and with our kids and parents.
     Today I thanked Lash for making those decisions to put family first.  It wasn't easy to go against the tide of  work-addiction and money-hunger that drove so many of those around him.  We were very comfortable financially, but we didn't have the McMansions, boats, planes, world travel, private schools, etc. that many of his peers felt were necessary.  We were satisfied without them.
     And here I need to put in a good word for myself.  Some of the pressure to perform and earn came from spouses who never seemed to have enough.  I refused to have anything to do with them and tried to let Lash know that I didn't want more "stuff" but more of his time.  I encouraged him to quit that poisonous job situation and work for himself.  I encouraged him to retire when consulting became too stressful.  These were scary leaps of faith.  We still don't know if retirement will work for us financially, but we're willing to walk into an unknown future as long as we can do it together.
     I'm certainly not saying that I didn't complain, cry, pout and make his life miserable at times because of my objections to his work.  I tried to be supportive, but fell short so many times.  Looking back, I can see how impossible his situation was and how well he coped with pressure from all directions.
     Thank you, Lash, for providing for your family in every way possible!  I love you!!