Dr. Lauren Meyer is the wife of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Matt Meyer.
As a mother, a wife and a doctor, I understand how busy life gets. You’re lucky if you get a full night of sleep. There is the morning rush, lunchboxes that need making, clothes that need washing, sports practices, homework and doctor’s appointments.
I am very lucky. I have a great job that I love. I have three wonderful children. And I have a husband who supports my work, my children and me. I’m married to Matt Meyer, who is currently running for governor.
I have never been a person who follows politics. My days are dedicated to my family, my patients and my work. But the more I have thought about it — and, of course, because of who I fell in love with — the more I have begun to realize how the people I care about are impacted by politics and policies.
Like many Delawareans, I have a blended family. I have two rambunctious, funny, sweet boys from a previous marriage — they’re 8 and 10 years old. Matt and I also have a little boy together, named Levi, who’s 6 months old.
We are a public school family. I went to public school my entire life. My older two boys have gone to Delaware public schools their entire lives. Matt was a public school teacher, who taught math to sixth and seventh graders.
We are dedicated to sending all three children to public schools. There are terrific public school teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, coaches, counselors — you name it — who care deeply about my children’s education and future. I believe in our public schools, and so does Matt. The boys are thriving, and we are committed to our state’s public school system.
Of course, despite all the good things about our public schools, Delaware’s education system is woefully underfunded. Teachers deserve more money. There should be universal pre-K. Resources and programs should be more fairly and equitably funded so that every child has the same opportunity and access. If elected governor, Matt will fight for that.
We all want our children to have a top-notch education and a bright future. We want our children to have safe schools, playgrounds, parks and neighborhoods, and we want all families to have access to affordable child care. Matt will fight for that, too.
I understand I’m lucky. I have a good job, and I have support. Blended families can be complicated, but Matt is a terrific husband, father and stepfather. I also have a colorful extended family. My grandfather used to say there are no “steps” in a family, and that’s how I also feel.
Matt loves all three boys so much. When I’m doing my shifts in the emergency room, he takes them to the bus stop, he roots for them at their sports games, and he makes sure their homework is done and puts them to bed.
They have an inside joke that makes the boys roar with laughter. On car rides, they play “I Spy With My Little Eye” and try to go through the alphabet. Since nothing starts with a Z, the one stuck with that letter will roll down the window and ask, like an old Grey Poupon commercial, “Excuse me, sir, do you have a Z?”
Matt is supportive of our family and of me. With everything he has going on, he takes care of the kids so that I can take naps between long shifts. He makes dinner for the boys (he’s no Julia Child, but he makes a darn good mac and cheese). When I have evening shifts, he often brings me dinner at the hospital.
I wanted to write this because I want people to know the man who I get to share my life with. He cares deeply about this state, our teachers and our children. He is calm. He is caring. He is patient. He is a wonderful partner and father. He would make a tremendous governor.
He also knows that our family is lucky and that not everyone else is. I know he’s running so that other people can have a fair shot at good schools, good jobs, affordable child care and safe communities.
I am so proud of the man I married. And, while it’s been a busy few years — between having a new baby and having a husband who’s running for office — I wouldn’t change it for the world. I know I’m biased, but I also know that Matt is running for governor because he wants the best state, the best schools, the best everything for our family and for you.
Thank you.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
