as a husband of nearly 34 years there are always going to be challenges ahead.
I have ALMOST learned to listen to hear her out, not to give a solution.
I have learned that her favorite pack of gum (for example) means more to her than flowers
I KNOW my wife wants me to preside in the home (priesthood blessings show solidarity far more than i thought)

Every night as she is going to sleep beside me i think to myself why i love her, then i say it.
I abhor trite ‘love you’s”, ergo i have told her why i do it once every night.


Raising kids is scary, my two metaphors for it are:
1st. When teaching them how to ride a bike w/o training wheels, i am holding onto that seat until they get up to speed. But the instance of letting go and the knowledge that they will crash, cry, bleed, and then need to get up and try it again. That is the scary over and over, (1st day of school, learning to drive, 1st date, 1st road trip, etc)

2nd. Each of these events is like watching your kid go into a tunnel, some are months, years, & decades,
Every tunnel is a scary place. No control, no information, not able to help. Letting go of that bike seat…sucks.

I have raised 4. 3 married in the temple, last one is in college.
All of my family knows my sayings: that absent communication one thinks of the worst outcome.
And i think most important, good or bad papa will always keep his word. Honor, respect, and love both ways.

Keep the lines open and you but most importantly love them and they will all be fine

Sorry for the length.
I’m sure there are grammatical errors. But my heart is true. Do your best. Love them always.

CJK