Back in May and June of this year, I was hospitalized for 34 days. I had become sick after we traveled from our home to our summer seasonal job in Arizona at the Grand Canyon. While I was lying in that hospital bed, out of it most of the time, my husband was working 200 miles away. Every week without fail, he drove that 200 miles from the North Rim to Flagstaff, to sit with me by my bed for two or three days, then drove the 200 miles back to the job at the end of his time off. I know this sounds like just a really normal thing to do, but when you think about it, how many of you have a spouse who would do that, lovingly, for over a month.
My husband and I are 63 and 60. On my sixtieth birthday, I was wheeled into an operating room two thousand miles from my family, and 200 miles away from my husband, to have surgery for a life threatening condition. I was terrified that I would never again see any of the people I loved most in the world. But when I woke up after that surgery, the very first thing I saw was the face of my husband. He had dropped everything on the job and jumped in the truck to drive that 200 miles to be there for me. Knowing that the man I have been married to for twenty years cared enough to be there helped me far more than any medicine the doctor could give me.
I think it is at this point that I have to tell you that the only reason he left me in the hospital and went back to work is because after the first seven days we had no idea how long I would be there. He told me later that I shook my finger at him and told him he was not doing me any good being there, when he should be working. We were quickly running out of money, and I told him instead of him paying for motel rooms and meals, he should be back up at the job. So, he left.
After what seemed like forever, after several complications and two weeks in ICU, I was finally discharged and allowed to go home. By the time I got home, I was exhausted from the trip. I went into the bedroom to get ready for bed. My husband came in to help me. I was barely able to stand up on my own, so I was using a walker that the doctor sent home with me. I had never felt older or less desirable in my life! I had not had a shower in quite a while, and my hair had not been properly washed and brushed in a month. I had a gigantic scar that was still held together with what looked like 10 lb. fishing wire, and a colostomy bag hanging from my abdomen. But, when I got undressed, and took off my bra, and those old sagging bosoms fell down toward my waist, the look on my husband’s face and in his eyes told me more than words ever could. He loves me, no matter what. And THAT is what marriage should look like.
This is us last year. We have been a long way together.
About FabGrandma
What a lovely, wonderful love story, the kind we all wish we were lucky enough to have found.
What a wonderful post Karen. How blessed you are to have such a wonderful man – and I am sure it has much to do with you having been a wonderful wife as well. Many wishes for another 20+ years. (and soooo glad you are better!!!)
Lynsey @MoscatoMom recently posted..Progressive #Snapshot $50 Gas Card #Giveaway
You two are so cute!!
Wishing you many more years together.
Sheila recently posted..Bulu Box Review
Many wishes for many more years full of health and happiness together!
This is so true and so touching. Wishing you many more happy wonderful years. True love is a blessing
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This just brought tears to my eyes! I hope I am blessed with such a wonderful relationship many years from now!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..When Ghost Hunting Goes Wrong…
This is so sweet! What a wonderful story. You are truly blessed.
Maggie recently posted..33 weeks Pregnancy Update!
How sweet!
Natasha recently posted..Poll results and a new poll
Karen, you and your hubby are truly inspirational!
Katie recently posted..The Elkhorn Lodge and Guest Ranch in Estes Park, CO
Truly amazing!! So glad you are doing well. Your hubby rocks!
Amy recently posted..Discovering Pests Around Our New Home
I was so worried about you when you were in the hospital, but I’m so glad you’re okay! &I’m so glad you have such a wonderful husband to stand by your side.
Shell Fruscione recently posted..Free Printable Frankenweenie Pumpkin Carving Cutouts!
That is a beautiful love story! I have tears in my eyes.
Jennifer The Quirky Momma recently posted..Zero Waste Philosophy – Rethinking How We Dispose of Trash
Loved reading your story! Glad you’re heading back to Georgia this week!
Meghan @JaMonkey recently posted..The Learning Tower Review
amazing story and marriage. Here’s to many more years!
So precious!
katherine@MiscFinds4u recently posted..Gola USA Store – Stylish and Comfortable Shoes for Men
What a beautiful story. May we all be so lucky.
All spouses should be like this!
Thanks for sharing your love!!
Mumseword recently posted..Therapy 101–So What Is Wrong?
I love it and I’m glad you healed and better now. In a world with so much confusion and hate, I know that love still conquers all.
Notorious Spinks recently posted..Giving Back with GE #cbias #gelightingcfk
That IS what a marriage should look like. I hope my husband loves me just like that in another 30 years.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom recently posted..Teaching Your Children Energy Efficiency
awww that is SO sweet!
Christa recently posted..Love Pinterest? Love Halloween? This is for you!
Beautiful post, Karen.
That is so sweet! I hope he knows how much you appreciate and love him too!
Sara recently posted..My Amniotic Fluid Levels
Karen this made me cry. Just beautiful.
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