A belated Valentine to a great example
As I left work last Wednesday, I was mulling over what I should write about in this week's column. I decided a 401(k) question I received from a reader would be a good option.
But I never had the chance to work on it.
I had been taking chills all day, and by the time I got home, I was in full-blown-sick mode. I was off Thursday and Friday with strep throat, and my column plans got away from me.
So, you're wondering, what has this to do with personal finance?
Well, I was nice enough to pass my illness on to my wife — which, combined with being sick in bed and unable to get my usual last-minute gift, made for a lovely Valentine's Day. (My failure to give wonderful, thoughtful, romantic gifts is legendary, and this just added to the legend. I'm not proud of that, but it's true.)
As I got better and she grew sicker on Sunday, I did my best to let her rest, keep our four children out of her hair, attempt to make dinner and generally help the household push forward.
Since all of us would be home on Monday for Presidents Day, I knew I would have to step up again.
So I gathered the children around — all but the 3-year-old, who resists any efforts to be "gathered" — and told them Mommy wouldn't be able to help them much on Monday, because she wasn't feeling well.
"That means I'll be helping you do your homework and get your bath and stuff like that," I said, thinking I sounded like a very efficient, effective parent.
Then my second-oldest daughter said, with a somewhat-horrified tone in her voice, "And feeding us?"
And that's when I really understood something about the division of labor in the Kratz household.
Yes, I do my best to help around the house. My job's hours aren't ideal, and I have church responsibilities that keep me busy when I'm not here at the News. That means I'm not around the house a lot of the time.
But when I am home, I really try to take action. I play with the children and assist them with their homework. I wash the dishes and sweep the kitchen floor. I sort, wash and fold laundry. I pick up toys and put stuff away.
I know my wife appreciates these efforts.
However, as my daughter's question shows, there is no doubt about who really takes care of things in our home. When our children need something, when they're hungry, when they're stumped on a homework question, when they need a treat for school the next day, when they don't feel well, they know Mommy will be there.
And they're right.
Comments
- Natural gas prices at 52-week low 9:22 a.m.
- Rates on 30-year mortgages drop 9:19 a.m.
- Felt's Facts season recap 9:16 a.m.
- Alan Parsons Project co-founder dies 9:15 a.m.
- Oregon tree cutters safe 9:12 a.m.
- Group wants weight loss pill banned 9:08 a.m.
- Bernanke claims will to reel in stimulus 8:59 a.m.
- Service sector activity disappoints 8:56 a.m.
- Stocks turn mixed 8:55 a.m.
- Semitrailer crash closes canyon 8:50 a.m.
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
- Mitchell said to share LeBaron traits
- Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
- Teen girl killed in Kaysville crash
- Miles is back, but others still out
- BCS just keeps dirty laundry on spin
- MWC awaits bowl destinations
- Utahns growing tired of Bennett
- Woods says he let family down
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
914 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
483 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
406 - Max Hall issues apology
392 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
359 - Utes won't respond to Hall
278 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
249 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
244 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
184 - Religion in politics is tiresome
154
Deseret Books is in Day 2 of its deal-a-day campaign, with special...
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Okay, I didn't know that was a rule. As for Ungas fumble, clearly his butt...
People have to keep up the fight, because they LGBT's are not going to stop....
...are class acts, in my mind. The game last night was a tough fought battle...
I just don't get this. Of course they are insane! What normal person just...
ktown all the way!!!
Your comment doesn't make sense. Sounds more like sour grapes.
"Maybe if the Univ. of Utah banned beer at Rice-Eccles it would cut down on...
Great Win for the Aggies and the Spectrum is one of the best basketball...
Benson you make it sound like life here at BYU is where the students live in...
When your forward plays 37 minutes and gets 2 rebounds and your 7'3" center...


You can be the first to comment on this story.