File this under ‘sappy.’
My family and I went to a campaign fundraiser earlier this fall. Mingling with the guests, I met a man who, after introducing himself, sheepishly mentioned that he’s the husband of a woman known for her amazing volunteer work. He laughed and said he didn’t mind at all being known as the husband of Mrs. So-and-so. There was pride in that statement.
Lately I’ve been thinking the same thing of my status as husband of Mrs. Kelly Swanson Turner. We attended a reception last night for Leadership North Carolina, where she works, and my ears were ringing all night from the praise Kelly was getting. Every time I turned around someone else was telling me what an amazing woman she is, and they weren’t just being kind.
Now, some men might become jealous of their spouse’s success but not me. That’s not to say that I don’t wish I had her job because I love the program, but I’m no fool. I know there’s no way I could do her job as well as she does. She’s earned her success and I see it as my job to just get out of the way and let her be herself. She’s returned the favor, too, fully supporting me and all of my civic dabblings around Raleigh. There’s no need for competition.
Hey, I know I married up! No question about it! I’m not the least bit worried about sharing the spotlight with her (or sharing her spotlight, as the case may be). I’ve said before that I’ve known all along how amazing Kelly is. It’s pretty amazing to be married to her, too!