Strength.
When talking with Michael McPhee about his wife, Jenny, that is one of the things he really honed in on. And that is because he knows just how much she does without getting any of the deserved recognition.
For starters, Jenny has the most thankless job out there: being a mother. Yet, she fulfills this role as well as anyone. She lives and breathes for their daughters, and Michael even said her biggest hobby is their children.
She is completely and utterly devoted to the girls. From attending tons of cheer competitions to being a sounding board for them, Jenny is there at all times. She is their number one supporter and a cheerleader of theirs in her own right, and Michael hopes she realizes this truly is not taken for granted.
“She puts a lot of thought and effort into all of us,” Michael said. “If you mention something in passing, she will remember it. She’s smart and patient.”
As a mother, Jenny makes sure her girls come first. She does not let a day go by without communicating with them and just showering them with love.
As a wife, Jenny takes on the responsibility of being Michael’s better half. She is in his corner at all times, and she really pushes him to be the best version of himself.
As a friend, Jenny is never not there. Her big heart is not limited to just her family, and she is very much a beloved individual.
Speaking of her heart, Jenny is definitely a genuine individual. She is caring and compassionate, and her personality as a whole is so well-rounded.
“I admire her selflessness,” Michael said. “She is way smarter than she knows, and you can see it when she looks at you. She questions everything, not to undermine anyone, but she just wants to know as much as she can.”
She may also question things because of the hearing aids, but that is a whole other story.
When push comes to shove, however, Jenny is going to be there for you. She is never going to let her love for you waver, and she is just so kindhearted.
Because of this kind heart and so much more, Michael said he and his wife don’t argue often. Because of who Jenny is, they are able to talk things out and take a step back when needed.
Michael feels Jenny and him make a good team, and that is one of the things he adores about her. Well, that and the fact that she has helped shape him over the years.
“She’s taught me how to create a family of our own,” Michael said. “I’ve learned how to trust her completely. Being able to trust her to take care of things while I’m gone is a pretty big deal.”
Michael spent 20 years serving in the Army, and he never once had to worry about what was happening back home. He knew Jenny had things under control, and that trust never wore thin.
And now that he is retired, Michael gets to spend a lot more time seeing firsthand just how outstanding his wife is, and that includes recognizing how hard of a worker she is. Jenny is a quality assurance representative for a janitorial company, and she has worked her way up the ladder.
“Her work ethic is phenomenal,” Michael said. “When the job she has now opened up, she didn’t think she was ready to do it. I said, ‘The bosses trust you enough to train them.’ I encouraged her and she applied and got it immediately. She is really sought after at work.”
This is just another example of Jenny’s much-deserved recognition. She worked hard to get to where she is at, and it certainly has paid dividends.
In Michael’s eyes, what has also paid dividends is the way his wife is able to push him. She brings out the best in him, and he certainly does not complain about that.
“She holds me accountable,” Michael said. “She’s probably the only person who really challenges me.”
Jenny challenges Michael, her daughters and everyone else because she wants what is best for everyone. She wants to see the people around her succeed the way she has in life, and she just wants people to be happy.
All in all, Jenny is a phenomenal person. She is strong-willed and big-hearted, and she always shows up. She deserves to be celebrated daily, and Michael wants to start doing just that.
“She’s my best friend, the best mother, and she deserves more recognition than I’ll ever be able to give her.” – Michael