And that's why I don't feel bad.

In May 1995, I met my husband. Didn't like him at first. He was kind of a rude asshole...a show off. But he was beautiful. Slowly, but surely, we got to know each other and built up a friendship. Didn't think it would progress more than that. Shockingly, it did. Didn't think it was last too long, but it did. When we got married, neither side of the family thought it was a good idea. Not sure of the fact that I was pregnant had anything to do with that, but I think because Jimmy and I are both ferociously stubborn, it's been working. My husband is kind. He is hardworking, and a great father. He has built up my confidence, and has assisted me in creating three beautiful creatures to pass on kindness, love, and sarcasm. He has softened me over the years. I still have some rough spots that need attention, but it's only been 21 years. I've seen this man conquer cancer, and then return to a job that is more physically demanding than he should be doing, because he wanted to show the kids that he's not a wimp. He has dealt with a tremendous amount of pain and sickness, and even with a large amount of sick time, he doesn't take it. Again, he wants to be a great role model for our kids and to show that he would do anything to keep a roof over their heads, and food on the table. Our rent and bills are always up to date, even if we squeak by a bit. He supports us all with his kind words, cheers us up when we're down, and (figuratively) kicks us in our asses when necessary. He is a great dad, regardless of the fact that he is non traditional. I think our family is a mix of Married With Children, Roseanne, and Malcolm in the Middle with a dash of Bob's Burgers. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, I'm jealous of the fact that my babies have such a wonderful male role model in their lives. I didn't have that. I never will. I was terrified to marry, because I didn't want to suffer like my mother did, or have children suffer like we did. I didn't know that not all men were that bad. I'm glad I was wrong. People have judged us. People have talked very poorly about us. It used to bother me, but I hear my kids laughing at something so ridiculous that their Dad says, just to cheer us up when he's in pain, and I see just how blessed I am. My boys are wonderfully handsome young men, and my girl has her father's sharp wit to cut anyone in two.