“In sickness and in health.”  Little did I know, a year-and-a-half later, the impact that this phrase would have on my life.  As I headed back to work this morning, I was emotional – overcome with emotion that I had been nursed back to health and able to resume living my life as I had previously.   I am grateful beyond words for all of my caregivers, but especially Ashley.  Over the past month, you have shown me the true meaning of love and what marriage is all about and I could not ask for anything more.   Thank you for all of your support, guidance and encouragement – I love you!

“3 Soldiers Attacked with a Knife in France”, “100 Bodies Found in Police Station”, and “Taking Selfies Likely Caused Plane Crash”; three real-life news headlines from this evening.  If it bleeds, it leads and if you pay too much attention to the ever-present media, the world can seem like a dark and dangerous place.  In today’s world, it’s easy to fall prey to a negative outlook.

When Chris’ surgeon walked in the room to advise us that he would need yet another brain surgery, my heart sank.  While it could always be worse, my anxious self jumped to the worst possible headlines: “Chris Unable to Speak or Function After Brain Surgery” or  “Surgeon Finds Cancerous Tumor Cells After All”.  As humans, we try to remain positive when life throws obstacles in our way.  As caretakers for someone suffering from an illness, we attempt to remain strong, but it’s difficult to not feel defeated or consider the what-ifs.

Despite all the negativity, anxiousness and downright scares that Chris’ new surgery brought, one positive theme emerged: human kindness.  The minute people found out the news, I was overwhelmed with hugs and true concern in the eyes of family, friends and co-workers.  Dinners were prepared for us, visits were made, care packages and cards with inspiring quotes were sent.  During the surgery, at my most vulnerable, I received countless messages sending love, encouragement and all the luck I could accept.  I was simply uplifted.

While I believe it is important to stay strong and tough on your own, it’s in others’ compassion that we find strength when we need it most.  As a person who needed to be someone else’s rock, it was you that helped me persevere.

So thank you – all of you – for reminding me to ignore the headlines and to remember that good in the world truly does exist.