Burnt Toast Analogy

Nelson is such a sweet husband.  In addition to working hard in school, he helps clean around the home and cares for Emily.  He is great to vacuum, mop the floors, take out the trash, and dust.  Emily loves to play with her daddy!!  She always smiles at his attention call, "Hey pretty girl!" 

In balancing my time to help with Nelson's papers, care for Emily, and work, most often dinner is less from perfect.  It is served in Tupperware (even on Sunday), so it can be easily cleaned up in our rush to get Emily in the bathtub right after dinner.  Then there is those times when it comes out soggy or burnt.  Nelson never seems to complain, but gratefully acknowledges the effort put into it.  Our usual routine at dinner includes Nelson playing with Emily while I get it on the table.  As he picks Emily up and brings her to the table, he will say, "Look what mom made for us.  Doesn't it look yummy!"  I love it that he shows such appreciation for the effort, even if it is soggy or burnt. 

I saw this story online the other day and couldn't help but think of my sweethearts: Emily & Nelson . . .

When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then.
I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.
On that evening, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet, all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
I got up from the table, and I heard my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast.
I'll never forget what he said. 'Baby, I love burned toast.'
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night, and asked if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Little Buddy, Momma had a hard day at work today and she's real tired. Besides, a little burnt toast never hurt anyone! Life is full of imperfect things, and imperfect people.  Personally, I'm not the best at some things either.'
I've learned over the years that learning to accept each other's faults, and choosing to celebrate each other's differences, is one of the most important steps to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
This could be extended to any relationship because understanding is the base on which any relationship is built, be it husband-wife, parent-child, or in friendship.
Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket but into your own. No one else can MAKE you happy, your happiness is a choice you make.

People will always forget what you do, they will forget what you say, but will never, ever forget the way you make them feel. Blessings!