Rachel Kiser
Blogger | Mom of Two

A mother’s work is never through.

We are the chauffeurs, the short-order cooks, the boo-boo kissers, the schedule-keepers, the tutors. We, most of the time, are the holder of the keys. If things are to run smoothly, it’s in our hands. We carry that weight. It’s not easy, right?

The heaviness of these roles is not lost on those who have them. Even with the most supportive partners, it’s easy to feel invisible, because much of this work is done when nobody else is there to bear witness.

That’s why it all goes south when mom is down for the count: and nothing brings us down like a good old-fashioned tummy bug!

Mom blogger Laura Mazza was hit hard with some type of nasty virus that left her unable to do what she normally does, which is running the household. Her husband was left to hold it all together, and let’s just say their three children were unrelenting! In the chaos, he wrote her a love note of sorts.

Laura qualifies in her post that her husband has always been a beautiful writer, and that he gave her permission to post. She also makes sure to add that he is a very hands-on father, which makes his sentiments even more impactful.

“I have always thought your job as a mum is important. I’ve never doubted how much you do. But I underestimated it,” he says. “For five years you’ve never left the kids to cry. You never want them to be alone. I also know now that even if you start in bed with me, you end up in Luca’s bed anyway, which is not sleeping by the way. That kid kicked me in the balls at least 18 times. You are the most selfless person I know. How do you do that every night?”

Excuse us, we’re laughing. Carry on.

After he admits that he’s given up cooking and has fed the children McDonald’s and KFC every night, he goes on to dote on his wife, who, “even between [her] vomits, tried to get up and do stuff and clean.” That’s a warrior right there. He then confesses that he thought it might actually be better to have the tummy bug than try to clean up with the kids around and be her for a few days.

This is the type of validation every mother craves, am I right? It gets better, too.

“I believed you when you said James was clingy, but that kid isn’t just like Velcro, he is super glue,” he admits. “I had to hold him and do things with one hand while Sofia turned into the devil and Luca didn’t listen to me. I did that wild scream you did. I know where it comes from now. I was you for 48 hours and now I understand why you lock the door at night to have that shower. I’m exhausted. You are a good mother my beautiful wife. Never doubt yourself.”

I really think that his note sums up everything we ever wanted to hear. Validation, encouragement, honesty, and heart-felt compliments to the hard work that is raising little humans day after day. Laura, you and your husband are clearly doing it right!

About Rachel Kiser

Rachel is a wife and mother living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She’s a fan of good coffee, wearer of gray t-shirts, and is constantly starting books she will never finish. Her family is her joy, and she loves to engage with other moms and dads on matters of parenting. Her blog posts have also been featured on the Today Show Parenting Blog and Scary Mommy.

View all posts by Rachel Kiser here.