Today is my wife and my’s 14th wedding anniversary. It is crazy to think that we have spent this much time together and have not killed each other!
But, seriously, I look back and I am amazed at what we have seen and done together. Continue reading “14 Years… and counting”
This past week I saw the call for prayers for Joey Feek circulating on social media. Up until that point, I was not familiar with this bluegrass/country duo.
Joey is dying. She has cancer and it is slowing destroying her body.
As I was reading Rory’s perspective, of a husband losing his wife to cancer, I was struck by the love with which he talks about his bride. He does not shy away from the raw emotions that he feels. He is open and honest about the struggles that have marked their journey together for the last few months. I was touched by this.
As a musical group, much of how they interact with life is through the music they make and sing. It seems that several years ago a friend wrote a song about her own loss. As they considered what tracks to include on their most recent project they picked their friends song, “When I’m Gone.”
As they discussed making a video for the song, they decided to record it from Joey’s point of view. Rory’s reaction to this decision resonated with me.
I didn’t like it.
I told them so. It hit too close to home.
But as they continued to talk and I listened… I realized that “yes, of course. We have to make it that way. It’s the story in the song”.
It wasn’t what I wanted… but it’s what the song wanted. And though it scared me for us to be that vulnerable, it was also what our whole lives and music career was about – being real… being honest.
And so the cameras rolled and both Joey and I let us ourselves imagine what it would be like if she had to leave this world and I was left behind without her… [Source]
I have to agree with Rory, no one wants to have to think about these things. No one should have to. However, life on this fallen planet does not give us that option. I have prayed for this family I do not know. I pray that God gives them peace and comfort in this time of preparation and mourning. We sometimes forget that mourning is a process that can begin long before a person is finally gone from this world.
One of the many wonders of the world is why one person would stay with another in marriage through the years. I know me. I know the kind of person I am. I know that there are several aspects of my personality that probably drive my wife (and some friends) up the wall. And yet, she is still here. With me.
There are many who would argue that they are the luckiest men in the world. That they have the most amazing wives. That God himself made for them that special someone. And to some degree they could, reasonably make the arguments. So, I will not be comparing. That is both silly and irrelevant.
What I will do is acknowledge that I have been the beneficiary of the love of one woman for more than half my life. She has loved me in word and deed. She has cared for me in mind, heart, and body. She has willingly fought for our marriage with me. And sometimes we have just fought.
I have no doubt in my mind that I do not deserve to be loved this way. That is why I know it’s true and genuine. I am thankful for the woman, wife, and mother that she is. She encourages me and supports me. I know I am blessed.
I could buy a card. But I would rather tell others, from the heart without the help of Hallmark, about the hidden treasure that lives with me. Her shyness sometimes obscures the wit and humor, the tenderness and compassion. But I get to see it all. I get to enjoy her beauty inside and out, unfiltered. It is one of the great pleasures of marriage. And for this I am thankful this Valentines Day.
I love you Miranda! You haven’t killed me, so I must be doing alright.
I am so blessed. God brought an amazing woman into my life eighteen years ago. For the last 13, I have had the privilege of calling her my wife.
It is amazing when I think about it. She has been a part of my life for more than half of it. The crazy part is that we are still here. Still working it out. Still trying to figure out what we are supposed to be doing. Through it all, we have learned a lot about ourselves and each others.
