Kirby Andersen

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Store

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Live Better. Love More.
Leave A Legacy.

  • Parenting
  • Marriage
  • Health
  • Personal Development

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Ain’t No Sunshine When He’s Gone

Using Little Reminders To Stay Grateful For Your Spouse

Comments … Email Print

By Gail Andersen

My husband and I usually travel together. Ever since we married over thirty-six years ago, we’ve found it difficult to be apart for very long. We realized that very early on when I went to visit my parents out of state—he showed up just a couple days later because he missed me! That wasn’t the last time that happened. So we try to plan accordingly now.

10203488_ml
Courtesy 123RF/Dmitriy Shironosov

Recently, he took a 5-day trip to see his extended family. It was a long awaited trip that had been put off for months due to some seasonal imbalance in our lives. Unfortunately, the seasonal imbalance was still in my life due to caring for my mom, so I wasn’t able to travel with him this time.

When he first planned the trip, I was excited, imagining all the things I could do—get together with some friends; tackle a deep cleaning project that may put the house in disarray; take a break from cooking (yay!) and laundry; catch up on reading. WOW! No responsibilities and all my time to myself! I couldn’t wait for this little stay-cation!

Subtle Reminders—He’s Gone

So there I was, getting my time away from the routine, and somehow it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. First of all, it rained almost every day he was away—I like sunshine. And who was there to share my day with? As a girl, I love to share the victories, the challenges, and the comical events of each day. Then, there was the quiet. iTunes and Apple TV got more of a workout that week in my home.

I woke up that first morning and rolled over for my morning kiss—but he wasn’t there. I wandered into the bathroom, ready to do my quick wipe down of the bathroom sink—but there wasn’t any stubble in the sink from his morning shave. I ran downstairs for breakfast—but alas the coffee hadn’t been brewed and there wasn’t a green smoothie waiting for me. I left to do some errands, but the gas tank was on empty.

Ain’t No Sunshine

Is it possible that I’d taken my wonderful husband for granted? How was it that I would notice the extra work when he was home, yet forget all the thoughtful things he would do quietly in the background.

I guess we’re more of a team that I’d realized. We each have our separate roles and responsibilities yet there’s a powerful synergy in our relationship. Sometimes after being together for so long, life can become ho-hum and we aren’t even aware of the strength of our partnership.

So, what was my take away from that week? Notice the little things that he does for me. Be grateful for the shared responsibility. And, more than anything, appreciate the person in my life who is my best friend, my true love, my constant. The one who gets me through the mess of life, who builds me up when I’m down, and who gives me a reason to embrace each day with joy. The day may come when he is no longer there, and I will wish I were making his dinner and cleaning up the bathroom sink after him. Today, and every day, I want to remind myself that there ain’t no sunshine when he’s gone.

Question: What are some of the little things your spouse does that you appreciate? Share your answer in the comments below.

Filed Under: Marriage

… Email Print

Like This Post?

Sign up for my blog updates and never miss a post. I’ll send you a FREE eBook as a thank-you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links”. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Free eBook

7 Ways To Supercharge Your Family This Week

Great adventures begin with one step. So do great families. Creating a healthy, loving family isn’t complicated yet it does require doing relatively simple things consistently. That’s why I wrote my new ebook, 7 Ways To Supercharge Your Family This Week: Weekly Activities & Culture-Builders That Will Strengthen Your Family For a Lifetime.

It’s my gift to you—simply for subscribing to my free email newsletter.

About Me

I am a family man. I love and am deeply committed to my family—to become the best I can be for them. And I'm committed to you and your family. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to help others reach for their full potential and hit the mark for which they were created.

I live to help others become better versions of themselves at home and work—to not only weather life’s challenges and positively impact their world, but to raise their children to do the same. In short, to live better, love more, and leave a legacy.

I now write, speak, and coach full-time. I am married and have three sons and two daughters.

More about me →

TwitterFacebookInstagram

Top Posts

  • A Simple, Convenient Home Salad Bar That Lasts All Week
  • Preserving The Sanctity Of Mom And Dad's Bedroom
  • Creating A "Dad Link" For Your Kids
  • Use A Family Group Text To Strengthen Family Spirit
  • Real Men Treat Their Wives Tenderly

© 2025 Kirby Andersen · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions · Contact Me

Get my free eBook

Enter your name and email address to subscribe to my newsletter and receive my free eBook: 7 Ways To Supercharge Your Family This Week: Weekly Activities & Culture-Builders That Will Strengthen Your Family For a Lifetime.