In Good Times & In Bad

I don't usually share really personal things on my blog, but this is a pretty big deal in my life right now.

 Today, my husband and I are celebrating 22 years of being happily married. This year's anniversary is especially poignant because just 7 weeks ago, we were blindsided by his diagnosis of kidney cancer. It was caught pretty much by accident during a routine yearly blood test which came back every so slightly off and required follow up testing. We never thought it was anything serious, so getting that news was (to say the least) a complete shock, that left us reeling.

We were quickly swept up into a frenzy of additional tests and appointments, which revealed a sizable tumor. The upshot of it all is that in less than three weeks, my husband will undergo surgery to remove his left kidney and will be off work for at least 6 weeks. Kidney cancer is rare. It's also very sneaky-usually there are no symptoms and by the time they find it, it's spread. In my husband's case, they believe he's had cancer for at least 3 years.

It's pretty sobering to face the uncertainty of the fate of someone you love so much. In fact, it's terrifying. I've felt like all the air has been sucked out of my lungs. Fortunately, we have dear friends who have circled their wagons for us. Their support means everything. As scary as this is, I know they've got our backs and that's immensely comforting.

We've been joking that we believe we got this "in sickness and in health" thing down pat. We'd like to NOT have to revisit to the whole concept any further- we've been there, done that, got the t-shirt, thank you very much.

Twenty-two years together will stand us good stead. We've been through bad times and survived. We will rise above. Together.

Happy Anniversary to my love. 

I am grateful for every single second of our lives together.

Forever & always.

xox