This Is What Marriage Should Look Like
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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.
Rosey:
October 20th, 2012 at 7:44 am
What a lovely, wonderful love story, the kind we all wish we were lucky enough to have found.
Lynsey @MoscatoMom:
October 20th, 2012 at 9:13 am
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!!!)
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Sheila:
October 20th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
You two are so cute!!
Wishing you many more years together.
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nicóle @nicky_olea:
October 21st, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Many wishes for many more years full of health and happiness together!
debra @strange daze indeed:
October 21st, 2012 at 4:54 pm
This is so true and so touching. Wishing you many more happy wonderful years. True love is a blessing
.
Jenn @therebelchick:
October 21st, 2012 at 6:04 pm
This just brought tears to my eyes! I hope I am blessed with such a wonderful relationship many years from now!
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Maggie:
October 21st, 2012 at 6:26 pm
This is so sweet! What a wonderful story. You are truly blessed.
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Natasha:
October 21st, 2012 at 7:45 pm
How sweet!
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Katie:
October 21st, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Karen, you and your hubby are truly inspirational!
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Amy:
October 21st, 2012 at 8:13 pm
Truly amazing!! So glad you are doing well. Your hubby rocks!
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Shell Fruscione:
October 21st, 2012 at 10:10 pm
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.
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Jennifer The Quirky Momma:
October 22nd, 2012 at 6:59 pm
That is a beautiful love story! I have tears in my eyes.
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Meghan @JaMonkey:
October 22nd, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Loved reading your story! Glad you’re heading back to Georgia this week!
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Jennifer:
October 22nd, 2012 at 9:15 pm
amazing story and marriage. Here’s to many more years!
katherine@MiscFinds4u:
October 23rd, 2012 at 2:21 am
So precious!
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Erika at PlayMG:
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:47 pm
What a beautiful story. May we all be so lucky.
HilLesha:
October 26th, 2012 at 9:10 am
All spouses should be like this!
Mumseword:
October 26th, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Thanks for sharing your love!!
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Notorious Spinks:
October 27th, 2012 at 7:56 pm
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.
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Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom:
October 27th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
That IS what a marriage should look like. I hope my husband loves me just like that in another 30 years.
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Christa:
October 27th, 2012 at 10:25 pm
awww that is SO sweet!
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Beeb Ashcroft:
October 28th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Beautiful post, Karen.
Sara:
October 29th, 2012 at 7:54 pm
That is so sweet! I hope he knows how much you appreciate and love him too!
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Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving:
October 31st, 2012 at 1:01 am
Karen this made me cry. Just beautiful.
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