Eight Years Later

Eight years ago today, I married Michael. It's certainly been an interesting eight years with trips to England, visits from relations across the pond, one house move and loads of challenges which continue on a daily basis. He finds something I say or do amusing nearly every day. Truth be told - HE'S the odd one around here. Somehow, he's managed to hold onto his English roots. His lung disease has robbed him of a lot of his vitality, but he still laughs, talks and pokes fun at America nearly every chance he gets.

Once he told me that if he had known he was going to become terminally ill five years into our marriage, he probably would have elected to remain in England. At first that statement made me feel bitter - as if what we had wasn't worth it. But, the more I thought about it, he was looking to protect me from pain.

I need to appreciate what I have and reconcile myself to the fact that whatever financial issues or inconveniences I face are but a small price to pay for what I received because of him. Had he stayed in England I would have been robbed of the one relationship in my life which has made me stronger, opened my eyes to examining things much differently and provided me with a love I'd never experienced before. I'm grateful he chose me and decided to stay.

Worth it? Definitely. I believe God brought Michael into my life for those and more reasons. So, I'm thankful for the last eight years and will cherish any future I have with Michael, no matter how short it will be.