What My Dad Said About My Husband

It was about a month ago, I believe.  It was just after 4 o’clock and I expected Charlie to walk in from school any minute.  The girls were playing in the living room and since Chad had worked through the night during a snow storm, he was home, as well.

I walked by the front window and looked out to see Charlie walking up the long hill toward our house.  His eight year old body looked so tiny as he trekked up the hill toward home.  The bus typically drops him off right in front of our driveway, so I was confused.

 Charlie’s walking up the hill, I called out to Chad.
What?
he responded as he made his way to the window. 
I wonder why she didn’t come up the road, I said to him.  Apparently, though, Chad lost interest because he had disappeared.

I stood and watched Charlie’s tiny frame walk ever so slowly up the long hill while swinging his lunch box back and forth beside his body.  It was a really cold day and I could see evidence of Charlie’s breath floating up through the air.  In fact, I believe the temperature barely surpassed zero that day.  I felt so bad for my little guy, but helpless to do anything. 

That’s when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. 

Out on the street, I watched as Chad, clothed only in a t-shirt, pants and slippers ran down the hill toward Charlie.  I watched as he greeted Charlie and took his backpack in one hand and lunchbox in the other.  I watched as he coaxed Charlie to run up the hill toward our house.  And I watched as Charlie and Chad ran up to the house, laughing, together.   As I saw the scene play before me I smiled and said to no one in particular,  he’s an exceptional man.


And he is.  My husband is an exceptional man. 

The thing about exceptional men, though, is that they are (often) humble.  Very humble. They live unheralded lives.  Lives of honor and integrity.  Lives that go unnoticed, except for those of us who know them, and know them well.


I’m sure that Chad would rather I not write this yearly post.  I’m sure he’d rather me keep my blog focused on my absent-mindedness and our silly stories. But I just can’t help myself.  Men like Chad need to be celebrated, even if only on my little blog.

(But Chad?  I promise, I will be brief.)


Several months ago the five of us were visiting my Dad.  The kids had gone down for the night and Chad had just headed upstairs to sleep. My dad and I were left alone at the kitchen table where we discussed everything from politics to life. During that conversation the topic somehow turned to Chad and my Dad said something  that I will never forget. 

In that moment my Dad looked me in the eye and pointed his finger toward the upstairs where Chad slept and said this. . .

Summer, you couldn’t have written a more perfect script for your life.

My dad is right. 

This man who I am so thankful to call my husband, is one of the greatest gifts I will ever have in my life. . .

Chad,

From the bottom of my heart and with all the love I have in me, Thank You. 

Thank you for being a protector and an encourager.  For being strong and still gentle.  Thank you for laughing with me (and at me) and for helping me find my way.  Thank you for knowing when to walk ahead of me and when to lag behind.  But more than anything, Chad, thank you for walking beside me.  Thank you for believing in me and for believing in us. Thank you for challenging me to grow and for growing with me. 

Chad, I could list the good things about you all day long.  (Those closest to me know I’m not exaggerating.) However, I know you don’t want that.  So let me just say this.  Chad, thank you for being the kind of man I hope Charlie grows into and for showing Chanelle and Meadow, every single day, to never settle for less than they deserve.

I am so proud to be your wife.

What my Dad said is true.  Chad, I couldn’t have written a better
script.  And while I celebrate you everyday, today, on your
birthday, I’m  just a little louder about it. 

I love you. 

We love you.

Happy Birthday.

And Kim and Char, I want to say something to you, as well.  Thank you.  Thank you for raising a man who puts first things first.  Thank you for raising an exceptional man.

(And just one more thing.  When I asked Charlie why the bus dropped him off at the bottom of this hill he said this. . . I was afraid it would be icy and I wasn’t sure it was safe for the bus.)

Yep, he’s growing up to be just like you.

  • Dr. Vashti - March 10, 2014 - 2:26 pm

    Such a beautiful post! Glad you two have each other and recognize the gift each of you is to the other person and are able to demonstrate for your children what a healthy, loving relationship is. Happy Birthday, Chad!ReplyCancel

  • Jen Wiles - March 10, 2014 - 2:32 pm

    God bless you and your family!ReplyCancel

  • Sally Sosler - March 10, 2014 - 3:04 pm

    Just beautiful Summer!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - March 10, 2014 - 3:45 pm

    i just cried from beginning to end! i loved this post. i love Chad and i love that you have each other and I love your love for one another and your family. as you know too well from those heartfelt email responses, i turn to both of you for those big life questions. 🙂 thank you for taking care of my Sumo, Chad. i'm glad i tolerated all those late-night returns and i know without a doubt that she loves you even more than she loved you then (is that possible?). happy birthday, Chad!! love, Miss ReplyCancel

  • Juli Isola - March 10, 2014 - 6:42 pm

    What a beautiful tribute Summer! You made me tear up and I don't even know your guy. But, I hope I get to meet Chad someday. 🙂ReplyCancel

    • Summer Kellogg - March 13, 2014 - 6:08 pm

      THank you so much my Friend! I hope we all get a face to face meeting, as well!ReplyCancel

  • Karen, Brian and Lucy - March 10, 2014 - 7:28 pm

    wow…what a great post Summer. So touching on so many levels. Great hubby, great kids, great pictures, great writing, great story-telling. You are in your element, and your happiness comes out loud and clear on this blog. Happy Birthday to Chad!ReplyCancel

  • Barbara Allen - March 11, 2014 - 12:51 am

    <3 How I love this – you both have committed your lives to the Lord, to following His plan for your lives individually and His plan was to bring the two of your together to create such a beautiful family. God had a very special man in His plan for you to marry and you found him. May God's blessings continue to be poured out into your lives and may your lives continue to touch the lives of everyone who comes in contact with your family. I know you have blessed me…..Happy Birthday ChadReplyCancel

    • Summer Kellogg - March 13, 2014 - 6:10 pm

      Thank you so much, Barb. We appreciate the way you have quietly supported us through the years.

      Many blessings to you.ReplyCancel

  • Chad - March 11, 2014 - 10:17 am

    Thank you all for the kind words and Summer for being overly gracious with your words! It was a great day!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - March 12, 2014 - 3:58 am

    This is one of the most beautiful posts I've ever read on any blog. I hope to find a man just like Chad for myself one day. Happy Birthday!ReplyCancel

    • Summer Kellogg - March 13, 2014 - 6:11 pm

      Well, thank you for such kind words, Anonymous. I appreciate it very much. ReplyCancel

  • Kendra George - March 12, 2014 - 2:23 pm

    Oh so sweet!!! I got teared up
    too!! No wonder our husbands are friends, they exemplify what it means to be Christlike husband, father, son, and friend!! Thank God for his plan that we could never think up on our own! Thanking God with you for our gifts!! I don't comment a lot but I am still enjoying your blogs. Hoping someday our lives will cross path again. We are where God wants us to be and for that I am also thankful!!!ReplyCancel

    • Summer Kellogg - March 13, 2014 - 6:11 pm

      Oh, Kendra. What a great day it would be if our paths would cross again.

      Thank you, my friend. ReplyCancel

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