What quality caught my attention when we were dating? Was it flowers and chocolate every day? Fancy dinners?  Did he wear stylish clothes and drive a fancy car? No. No. No. It was a very basic, yet magnificent quality that is not always apparent or appreciated in this society. The amazing aspect of my husband that caught my attention was: kindness. 

When we first started dating, he would complement my outfit, ask how my day went, make a quick phone call to know he was thinking about me, or write me a sweet love poem. We did not shack up so we didn't see each other every day, but he always found a way to show me kindness. I would get a "secret smile" as I went about my day just thinking about the simple kindnesses he would extend to me. I had never felt such tender affection from someone and a genuine caring. 

My husband continues to do all these things even as we are in the thick of family life and raising our children. He instills qualities of respect, hard work, and kindness in our four children so these qualities will continue through them. He is a stay-at-home dad and his kindness is illustrated by making lunches, doing laundry, cleaning, and having absolute dedication to our family so they are raised with our values and not those values of strangers in a day care. I have often heard people say that "nice guys finish last." This is not the case in our situation because my guy always finishes first in my heart.

With respect and appreciation, 

Jessica