It's early.  On a Friday.  And the kids are in bed.  Yip-yip-yippee!!  A moment (or two) alone to think and write.  Thank you, Jesus.
Last week, Leah and I were at the clinic together for her appointment.  We checked in and sat down on a vacant bench.  After a couple of minutes, a man and a woman (we'll call them "mom" and "dad") sat down next to us -- with us in the middle.  (huh?)  The two of them proceeded to chat about their children, holiday plans, schooling issues and other matters that I would consider private.  What became immediately clear is that mom and dad are divorced.  Mom ripped dad.  Repeatedly.  She rarely said a kind word or did anything to express that his efforts on behalf of the kids were on track, much less appreciated.  And the sparring didn't stop when their son returned from having his vitals checked.  In fact, I think it got worse as I listened to mom mock dad and attempt to get son on her "side."  All the while, Leah and I sat in the middle of them, wondering when they might notice that this is far from the appropriate place to have such inappropriate conversation. 
This strange experience got me to thinking about my family.  Sometimes I think our family is not complete.  No, I'm not talking about more children..... :)  I would love for my children to have a dad and for me to have a husband.  I need that.  Seth and Leah Grace need that.  And yet, plenty of people have questioned both my desire for a husband and my "need" for one.  It's not surprising to you (I'm guessing) that I'm pretty independent.  I have a busy legal career, two special-needs kids (with a ton of doctor appointments), a dog, and lots of responsibilities around the house.  And I manage it well; probably because organization/efficiency is my thing.  But what people don't seem to know or understand is that I would gladly turn over the reigns of my household to my hubby and my children's father. 
See, I balance the checkbook because I have to.  I cook meals, (occasionally) cut the lawn, fix the cars, rearrange the furniture, put up the Christmas tree, do the laundry, clean the house, schedule appointments, and care for the kids -- all because I have to.  Who would if I didn't?  As I approach forty, I wonder what people would think if I didn't take care of my business.  I wonder who would want to introduce me to another single man if my house was in chaos and I never took care of my kids.  What would people say then?  I suspect something like, "She needs to grow up" or "She won't make a good wife."  Instead, I take care of myself (and my family) and people assume there is no need or place for a man.  Not so.
But as I reflect deeper on my family and the devastating divorce rate in this country, I realize that what I am providing to my children is a great family in a safe home.  Lord willing, they will never have to suffer through listening to their parents belittle each other (in public).  They will never have to anguish over a divorce.  They will never have to choose between mom and dad.  Our home, imperfect though it is, is a good home for me and my kids, and I am exceedingly thankful.  I pray that someday (and SOON) my heavenly Father will send a husband/father to our home for life.  But until then, our family is perfect and complete just the way it is.



Note:  I know that divorce cannot always be avoided and this post is not intended to be a comment on divorce but rather a comment on the status of my family.  I hope no one takes offense because that's not my heart....  Blessings!