I wrote the below post back on 1/18/13 during my surgery and expansion recovery and never published it. So in the spirit of our 19th wedding anniversary today, I want to share what an amazing man John is and how he stuck true to our vows through better or worse.
I have focused so much on myself through these posts that I have neglected to share how wonderful of a husband I have.
Back story first...
We met in 1995 at age 20 as acquaintances at one of his gigs. My sister, Mary, was friends with the other two guys in the band and I would go with her to rock out and stage dive to their music. I know...many of you can't picture that but I was a bit more free-spirited back then. Sadly, I didn't notice him at the first few gigs but he noticed me. John went up to Mary and shared his interest in me. She let him know that he was not my type. (I did not learn any of this until we were dating for a while.) A few gigs later, we connected at one of his outdoor gigs. There was this old metal swing there that he would give me underdogs while I was swinging. Please tell me you know what an underdog is...and get your mind out of the gutter. :) That night we were inseparable! We were together for two years and then married in 1997. Yes, we were young and some people had their concerns, but it was right for us.
Skipping forward...
We had two boys in 2003 and 2005 where he stayed home and cared for them while I worked. Our system was a bit unorthodox back then and more recently has come to the forefront in television to be a cool thing. Trust me, John didn't care whether it was cool or not...he wouldn't have changed a thing and misses that time with the boys now that he is working full-time. I'm going on and on but he has done so much for me and our family that, frankly, I just have to brag. :)
Now...
I know that he is going to hate that I am talking about him so much, because he is a modest and humble man, but he has been courageous and strong through this journey with me and I want to share that with all of you. I have focused so much on myself that I have taken him for granted during this difficult time for me and our family. He has been unbelievable through it all. He was loving and comforting when I got the diagnosis. He was with me at the doctors appointments to help me grasp the vast amount of information that was given to me. He was by my side in the hospital after surgery and slept on a very uncomfortable recliner every night. I can't image what it was like for him to watch me in such pain and not be able to do much to make it go away. If it was the other way around...I would have been a mess.
Now, Now...
That was written 3 1/2 years ago and John still continues to be my rock. I'm in a better place now physically and mentally and could not have made it through without my best friend fighting right along side me. I love you, John, more than you know! I look forward to many, many more years with you as we do life together through thick and thin. Happy Anniversary!!!!
Caregivers of cancer survivors are not recognized enough for their pain and struggles during a very difficult time for their loved ones. I ask that you take a moment and think about someone who was, is, or may someday be your caregiver or a caregiver of a loved one...we all can name a few. When you see them, say thank you for their enduring strength.
Thank you Dad for caring for Mom through lung cancer and now through numerous medical issues. Thank you family and friends of Debbie H., Suzette B., Bonnie R., Angie N., Tina S., and Amy K. for being by their side while they fight or have fought and won against breast cancer.
