exhaustion
3 hours of sleep, and a dream come true.
3 hours of sleep. That's all I managed last night, but it was worth every lost minute. It started with a rare opportunity to gather with some of my closest friends, men I've known for years.
Our lives are full—partners, children, careers—so these moments are precious. We met in the city, catching up as if no time had passed. We laughed, shared stories, and delved deep into conversations about life's joys and struggles. It was the kind of night that reminded me why these friendships are so valuable.
I came home late, expecting to slip into a quiet house and catch whatever sleep I could. But as I walked through the door, there she was—my wife, still awake on the couch. Usually in bed by 9:30 PM sharp, she had stayed up, waiting for me. Her face lit up with that warm, inviting smile—the one that captured my heart over a decade ago and still does. It's the kind of smile that takes your breath away.
"Did you have fun with your friends, love?"
She asked, her voice gentle and understanding. She knows me well and understands how much these rare moments mean. Even though she was just as tired, her eyes held nothing but love and warmth. It was a simple question, but behind it lay unspoken support and understanding that meant more than words can express.
This morning, running on just three hours of sleep, I reflected on that moment. It's these small, seemingly mundane gestures that mean the most. Her waiting up wasn't about the hour; it was about being there, sharing in the simple act of coming home. These moments remind me how lucky I am to share my life with her.
Despite the exhaustion, I had a promise to keep—this daily writing challenge I've set for myself. But with my mind foggy and the clock ticking towards a very late night, I struggled with writer's block. So here I am, at 11:00 PM, keeping my promise by writing about the one thing on my mind: appreciation for my wife.
She ran on the same lack of sleep as I, yet she carried the day with extraordinary grace. While I stumbled through, she was phenomenal—patient with our kids, kind, and uncomplaining. It's moments like these that make me grateful beyond words, reminding me of a verse:
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."
Proverbs 18:22
I've genuinely found what is good.
To those reading, take a moment to express your appreciation for your partners. It's easy to overlook the little things, but they're the threads that weave our lives together. Let them know how much they mean to you. Thank you for joining me in this experiment, Parental Notion, for the next 27 days.
To my wife, thank you for your unwavering support and that smile that has brightened my days for over a decade. It's a small thing, but it means everything.
And while you're here, check out my wife's Substack and her extraordinary business, into which she pours so much of herself.
Until tomorrow,
John D