In Sickness And In Health

Christopher and Dana Reeve

None of us want to imagine a day when our partner is sick, hurt or dying.   No one likes to see their spouse or family member suffer.

Love is such a risk because it means that you could oneday lose the person you cherish most.  Still, true love is utterly fantastic and I weep for those who have never experienced it in their lives -- to be loved and to feel love is such an important gift. 

The picture above is of Christopher and Dana Reeve, who in my mind is the ultimate loving couple who never gave up on each other, even through their tragic ends.  We can all learn by their humble, beautiful example.

These deep thoughts are on my mind lately because I have been experiencing some minor health issues.  I say "minor" because I do not think I have a serious condition.  Just some reoccuring intestinal problems that have become too frequent not to notice or see a physician about.

So that is what I am doing.  I'm seeking the help of a gastrointestinal doctor in hopes that he can treat why I suddenly am plagued with severe vomitting and diarrhea every few weeks.   (Yeah, fun stuff let me tell you~) For now, my test results are coming back normal but I'm having a few further scans done. 

I'm not real worried about my case.  I am simply listening to my body and trying to help it feel better.  I am confident that I will be somewhat normal (If I ever was "normal", that is?) again real soon.  When I have more definitive answers about what is happening with me, I'll share the details here.  But for now, I'm still waiting. 

That's not what this post is about though.  I'm writing this in appreciation and love for my wonderful husband Kirk who has been taking such great care of me throughout this ordeal. 

I want to say (and write) out loud how lucky I am to have him as my life partner, in sickness and in health.  He is true to the vows we took on our wedding day, August 17, 2002. 

He never complains and holds my hand whenever I need him.  He's pulled me off the floor and out of a wheelchair.  He has surprised me with ice cream and endearing phone calls while he's at work.  Kirk has given me dozens of hugs, kisses and sweet embraces, even when I'm doing things like cleaning pots or wiping down the kitchen table.  He forces me to sit down and relax when I need to.  Kirk makes me laugh every single day.  He is everything I could ever want and more in a husband, best friend and comedy duo.  I love him with all my being. 

I try to imagine a world without him and I start to cry within a split second thought of that lonely place where he does not dwell with me.  I sometimes wonder if he becomes seriously ill or hurt, would I be as loving and as strong as he is when he takes care of me?  I hope so. 

I often realize how fortunate I am to have such a compassionate, wonderful person in my life, a man who truly is my biggest fan.  I'm thinking of that right now, actually. 

I love you Kirk.  I know you don't need me to write a public blog post about my feelings for you.  I know that this is not your style.  Still, I wanted to remember my thoughts at this moment.  And right now, I am loving you, missing you and longing to have you in my arms.  I love you so much.

Thank you for choosing me as your wife almost eight years ago.  Thank you for loving me, in sickness and in health, just like you said you would.