She calls me on her way home in the morning, 5 hours after her shift should have ended, to stay awake. I let her talk, I let her vent, I let her know that she is an amazing mother, nurse, wife. She gives her 100% day in and out. So, I do the same. I know it’s not just me sleeping alone. It is also her. So, I make sure the bed is made when she comes home.
It’s the little things that matter. They all count. In return, I don’t ask her for anything she can’t give easily. She has done so much for others in her last 16-hour shift. She missed her meal to give meds. Her bladder is about to explode but she does her rounds. She has her nurses go on break so she misses hers. She digs in her bag for her ‘trash panda’ snacks. Attached are sticky notes that tell her to have a good night, and that we love her, and to stop eating junk.
Meanwhile, I’m doing homework with 4 kids and making dinner and lunches for the next day. All so that she does not have to worry. We love our nurse, mom, wife, and best friend.
Get some rest, babe. You don’t have to work tonight. We can make dinner together. I’ll even rub your feet.

**This story was written by Cole George and originally appeared on his Facebook page. Used with permission.