Because I am blessed.....

Last week was a truly difficult week for us. Last week brought the illness of a dear relative of ours. Jamy's grandpa is not doing well. As I watched Jamy sitting by his bedside for hours and hours struggling with the very real possibility of losing a man he respects and loves, I was reminded of why I love my husband. Jamy's loyalty to the people he cares about is unmatched in anyone else I know. That loyalty is part of what has carried us through the years.

Most of you know that we began dating when we were very young, only fourteen. Twenty-two years later I can honestly say that I love him more today than I ever thought possible. The years have brought us amazing memories, challenges, joys, and some heartache. We are who we are today because we have shared so much of our lives together.

I like to think that our children will benefit from the relationship their parents share. It isn't perfect. Like so many other things in our lives, though, that imperfection is what makes it perfect. No matter what, somewhere in the back of my mind and always in my heart I know that Jamy and I share a bond that can't be described.

Last week, we cried together and held each other always knowing that no matter what the other one was there. I was strong when he was not and he was strong when I was not. That is how it should be. Together then we are strong.

This morning I was thinking about how lucky I am when he called at 7:30 am as usual just to tell me good morning. I was reminded of our wedding day. I had always had a song in my heart that I felt described us perfectly. I wanted it to be our first dance. He wasn't crazy about the song because he doesn't like Kenny Rogers. He had a beautiful song in mind as well. At the time I didn't realize how perfect his choice was. In the end, he let me have my way because he saw how much it meant to me. We used his song for the dance with our parents. This morning, I listened to both songs again and realized just how perfect they both are. I have included videos of both here if you would like to listen.

The point today is that I have realized over the last two decades that the times I grow closest to Jamy is the times that are darkest for us. I don't know what will happen with Grandpa, but I do know that we will face it together and it will be okay.


My choice:



And his:



And now here is a new song out by Brad Paisley that I think also is perfect to describe our lives.