My nephew got married yesterday. I wish for Russ and his new bride Cassi a lifetime of much joy and happiness . The ceremony was lovely and mother nature blessed the happy couple with a beautiful spring day. While I watched the two exchange their vows I couldn’t help but reflect back on my own wedding day 23 years ago. When Eric and I took our vows to love and honor each other through sickness and health, neither of us could have anticipated how young we would be when sickness would become an such a life altering concern.
I chose an incredible man to share my life with. It is when life is at it’s most trying that you really know the measure of a partner and the quality of a relationship. Living with someone who has a chronic disease can be more than a challenge. Watching someone that you love in pain is difficult and can be frustrating because there is nothing you can do to “fix it”.
Eric has quite literally picked me up when I fell down and lifted my spirits with his positivity and good humor. He has been patient with me when I could not be patient with my own body and it’s limitations . He has accepted the challenges that rheumatoid arthritis has brought to our lives without complaint and with a quiet strength that reassures me that ultimately everything will be alright.
Rheumatoid arthritis has changed not only my life but the lives of those that love me as well. While I have changed both physically and spiritually while dealing with the challenges this disease has brought, my husband Eric has remained the steady, calming force that has enabled me to face this journey with positivity and hopefully some grace. To say that I married my best friend is an understatement. I know that I would not be living as well with rheumatoid arthritis were it not for his support and love.
Tags: arthritis, challenge, health, marriage, rheumatoid, sickness
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Hats of to significant others of disabled individuals, they truly are a special force that provide many types of support day in and day out. Many people think that disability only effect the primary person, when in fact is has a profound impact on all of the people who have a close relationship with disabled individuals.
Wow, that is so awesome. I am in the same exact boat as you. I’m a 36 yr old femaile with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband is so great with it all, sounds just like yours.
I’m sorry you have to go through this at all, I feel your pain.
Btw, I’m on a really great msg board for RA only, http://www.rheumamisfits.com
Take care,
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