Little did I know that 11 years ago when we said our vows, "in sickness and in health" would pertain more to our kids than ourselves, at least at this point!. Between Toby's special needs, twelve surgeries total between two of our kids, three in glasses, and recently Caris' upper respiratory issues (or asthma - they did put her on Pulmicort today), it certainly has tested our faith! Through it all, I am thankful to God that I married my best friend and he is the only person I would want by my side through these mountains and valleys. He keeps me sane when I'm panickingl, he has me laughing when I cry, and he's the love of my life. I love the quote from a book in the At Home in Mitford series by Jan Karon - a character named Billy Watson is married to Rose, his schizophrenic wife, and the main character asks him why he's stuck with her all these years, he says something like, "I gave her my word, don't ya know." We gave each other our word and that's that!
Jut a bit ago, Bruce tore apart the car seat that is filled with vomit from our ride home from Caris doctor's appointment. We had enough time to squeeze in some present exchanging - complete with his present wrapped in a cardboard box and a brown paper sack with no card (that's the Fabian way!). Then we cleaned out the car seat, he took a shower, and he's off again to see a movie with Conor and Garrett. I am ready for a nap after only three hours of sleep. At the risk of shedding a few tear over the day not turning out the way I planned, I'll relate what his anniversary card said because it sums up today perfectly:
"Real love takes more than flowers
and beautiful words
It means keeping promises,
holding on when it's difficult
and supporting each other
And despite the passage of time and change,
your love remains
quietly in the midst of it all
forever alive and real
forever beautiful."
Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart - I love you with all my heart!