Where Credit is Due

People often tell me how strong and brave I am. They tell me how inspiring I am. They tell my husband that he "better take good care" of me. While I greatly appreciate the compliments and support, I have to say I think my husband deserves them more than I.

Only two years ago he and I were laughing, going out, playing video games, planning our wedding, and working towards a bright future together. We weren't expecting things to change so drastically. Even still, he remains just as strong, just as determined, just as in love. What he does just to make me happy is a testament to that.

For example...

When I began using a walker, he would support it so I wouldn't waste energy walking up and down hills. When I got frustrated with the walker, he would offer his arms with a smile.

Next came the wheelchair. He would push me anywhere I wanted to go. If the wheelchair couldn't go, he would carry me.

Around the time my speech began to fade, our child was kicking. The full reality of being parents set in. Though there is much to fear about raising a child and caring for your dying wife, he never showed a crack in his resolve.

Through the loss of my ability to speak, swallow, move my limbs, sit up on my own, and even wipe my own butt, this man has continued to love me harder than I knew was possible. The increasing tears and my angry fits haven't stopped him. It blows me away.

My husband, my 31 year old husband, has VOLUNTARILY sacrificed and lost so much simply because he loves me.

He is strong. He is brave.

I better take good care of him.