Sunday, October 9, 2011

Every Good and Perfect Gift...

I'm a very lucky lady. Or maybe blessed is a better term. Luck implies randomness and I think that the gift of Sam in my life was anything but random.

This year has been insane. How it is that I've already travelled 8 months on this cancer journey? What is it that has kept me going through it all? Well - many things actually! The support and prayer of so many friends and family, help with meals, coffee dates, random life giving outings, and the smiles from my kids. But there is one that tops all the others and that is Sam.

He has been at almost every appointment I've had. From surgery to chemo and all the doctors appointments in between. I remember the first chemotherapy cycle. About 2 hours after being home I crashed and burned and he stepped right in to pick up all the pieces. He kept me hydrated and out of the hospital that weekend. Plying me with drinks of all sorts while I threw up and laid on the couch for hours at a time barely able to form a coherent thought.

I also remember one morning feeling miserable but unable to sleep. I took up my spot on the couch and listened to him clean the kitchen, sweep and wash the floor, tidy up all around me while doing loads of laundry. It was that comfortable bustle of activity - when you know you are being looked after, someone's got ahold of it all and you don't have to worry, you can just relax. He knew what I needed to feel most at peace and comfortable and he just did it.

Since that day Sam has done many more loads of laundry, many meals, a lot of driving back and forth to school, house cleaning, bed making, and many many outings with the kids. He shaved my head for me, ran out to the drugstore early in the morning or late at night, made sure I had clean sheets every other day during the days I felt the worst, lysol'd the house over and over, did every kid bedtime and breakfast by himself and spent many evenings alone while I was in bed by 7pm. Every chemo cycle he hands me a card filled with words of support and love - reminders that we are walking the road together. Those things have meant so much to me and I am so thankful.

I can't imagine having gone through this without him and I'm so glad we're a team. A team in decision making and treatment and whatever comes next. So today I am Thankful. Thankful that God chose Sam to be my husband.

14 comments:

  1. and I am sure he is so thankful for you too! You both are amazing!

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  2. You two are an amazing team. It is a blessing to me to count you among my friends. Sam, you are diligent and dedicated and such a good good man, such a good role model to your kids what 'husband' can mean. Praying peace, stamina, joy and God's blessings for you.

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  3. I am thankful with you. My eyes are brimming with tears... and lots of love for you.

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  4. Wow -- what a wonderful tribute to your husband. You are both blessed!

    Praying for your family during this journey.

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  5. We are so thankful for Sam too! Every day we thank God for you all and pray for God's strength for each of you!
    Love Mom

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  6. Awe, Heidi, this post made me cry... Just like all the others you've written. Mostly for this one, I'm crying because I know Sam would say the same thing about you. Hands down. I love your love for one another. Keep pressing on.

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  7. yeah, wow. You guys rock, and are an inspiration to many.

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  8. Yes Sam l am so very thankful for the Man of God you are for our Heidi love dad

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  9. It isn't the gifts and dates or even the compliments that are the measure of a man, it is the caring, compassion, deep love, pitching in and steadfastness to be there in times of struggle that defines him. Husband and father who has kept the sails on your family boat billowing in the wind. I am glad you have Sam by your side.

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  10. You both make an incredible team. Thank you Sam for taking such good care of my sister and helping her stay strong.

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  11. Thanks everyone! He is awesome!

    Heidi

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  12. oh Heidi, you make me cry! Sam, you rock!

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  13. I'm nearly speechless. How I wish I lived closer, Heidi! Even so, God is your ever-present help in times of trouble- and so He uses Sam. Chose him from that first day, knowing he would be the one you'd need NOW, not just then. How amazing our God is. Praying for you, sweet sister, and rejoicing with you in your joys!

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  14. Thanks Marcy - I love that God knew what he was doing! He always does.

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