In sickness and in health

Twenty five years ago I said, “I do” to my best friend on a rainy September Saturday. We vowed to each other, “from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health”. In those words we promised to stand by each other in marriage, no matter what, as husband and wife, the epitome of relationships.

Back in the day, many engaged couples preparing for married life together, selected tableware at Daytons. My fiancé and I went to Daytons but the hair salon instead, helping my Mom select a wig during her cancer treatment. In one way or another, our marriage has appeared secondary to illness, including the rare disease diagnosis of our son. Usually, I don’t share many of the events that make up our life story, assuming the majority of people will consider it impossible to believe.

Truth be told, it’s a story of two soul-mates who love each other deeply, unconditionally and faithfully. A relationship defined by a partnership that values respect, service and commitment. Mistakes have been made but because of them, we are better than we were the day before. We are richly blessed by family and friends who have celebrated with us and cried with us, in sickness and in health.

Now, twenty five years later, we more accurately understand the gravity of the words exchanged on our wedding day. We can’t predict what the future will hold but faithfully we can look forward to what lies ahead. Possibly another exciting twenty five years together, assured that no matter what comes, we can endure.

I do, continues to be spoken silently in daily acts of kindness. Honestly, the words I spoke in September 1985 are the same ones I would say today to the same man who's still my best friend. DZ, for as long as we both shall live, I promise to love, honor and cherish….and of course Be the Change.