Tuesday, June 23, 2009

In Sickness and In Health

My rock through all this is of course Cheryl. She’s been at every appointment since that first biopsy. There is a definite upside to co-dependency.

The downsides are times like that first weekend after the diagnosis—two cold, rainy days of us contemplating the end of all we’ve built together and our poor kids. What a wonderful reprieve it was the following Monday when we discovered that my lymph nodes appeared to be in pretty good shape. And that my cancer was driven by estrogen and therefore more controllable.

Cheryl and I have never exchanged vows before a congregation. No white gowns, no flowers, no choice of steak or chicken. DJ or live band? Gift registry at Macy’s or Bloomingdales? Nope. A wedding is certainly a gorgeous and thrilling event. A marriage, however, is a plot between two very stubborn people. It takes years of good times and bad times to make you strong enough to endure the big stuff. I don’t know what I would do without this woman. She’s amazing.

Somewhere in my youth or childhood,
I must have done something good.


(and you know you’re pretty far gone when you’re quoting Rodgers and Hammerstein)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

::sniffle:: Thanks for ruining my mascara.

Laura L.

Kim Opitz said...

I've been thinking about you guys a lot lately... even more so this week. I love what you wrote today.

Let's still get together with the kids when you can.

In the meantime, and especially tomorrow, we're sending forth the best auras to surround you...

Jonathan Odell said...

You BOTH are amazing. Especially together. Jim and I will be holding you and Cheryl in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Although we can't be there for you tomorrow -- both of you -- know that we are there in mind and spirit. We love you very much.
- J & D

Anonymous said...

In my short 35 years on planet earth, I have NEVER seen a couple so perfect for each other and in love as you two. Straight, gay, whatever. You are amazing people and I am here for you - through thick and thin, good and bad. Call on me. - Todd