Wishing, waiting, wanting...

First of all I wanted to say thank you for all of the encouraging words, prayers, advice...I have found such great support here. I want to give everyone an update because I appreciate the concern but right now we are in a period of waiting. My husband has improved, but is not himself quite yet. Actually, that sentence isn't entirely correct because at this point I don't think either of us really know who he is or will be when all of this is over. I think his body has slowly been defying him for so long now that when he regains health he will be approaching life with renewed energy. Or at least I hope... When I reflect on the past I am embarrassed at what I accepted to be the norm, when the signs were blaring right in front of me. My husband is twenty-seven and a hairstylist and business owner. He used to come home from a day's work, eat for the first time since he left in the morning, and collapse on the couch and fall asleep. I did not feel comfortable with this but I ignored my gut instincts and made excuses, telling myself that he pushed himself so far each day that it only made sense to be depleted by the end. He is young, health conscious, loves sports and music, yet his life began and ended with work with little energy left over to devote to any of his true passions. I would feel self-conscious to make plans, knowing that if he had a truly exhausting day there would be nothing left of him to socialize.  Last night we had our first big family dinner since he seriously became ill, everyone together again. We used to be together at least once or twice a week. My husband used to spend most of that time resting on the couch. Last night he was lively and talkative, he spent quality time with our young nephews, we had a family hockey game and he stiiillllll had the energy to make us all laugh until it hurt to smile.  I cannot give you a medical update, but I can let you know that last night was one of the greatest moments I have experienced in a long time.  Watching him tell stories and entertain I could have nearly cried with joy, it just felt so good to see him alive and present in the moment with us. For that reason, I am choosing to be grateful for hardship and the marriage that is emerging from it. There are no doubts in my heart or mind that for better or for worse this man will remain my best friend for life. 

How To Make  A Beautiful Life Together

- Author Unknown

Let love be your shelter. The world is noisy and confusing at times, so make a home that is a haven, a peaceful place where you can listen to your hearts and savour the comfortable closeness you share.

No matter how busy your days may be, make time for yourselves. Hold hands. Unwind.

Surprise each other. Find little chances every day to show you’re grateful to be partners,to be friends, to be married.

Life is not perfect. You will make mistakes, but each time you meet life’s challenges together, you will grow wiser, stronger, and surer of your love.

Cherish your yesterdays. They are irreplaceable souvenirs of your journey through life. Make memories that will bring back smiles and sighs whenever you look back. (Look back often!)

Look forward, too. Dream together. Plan together. Make promises to keep. Believe in your tomorrows, because tomorrows are what forever is made of.

To make love last, put each other first. That is the way to make a beautiful life together…