Experiencing steadfast love, in sickness and in health
Everything changed for me when my husband, Chris, came on the scene
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Even though my husband, Chris, and I have only been together a few years, he’s caught on to the steep learning curve of navigating life with cystic fibrosis (CF) and a double-lung transplant.
Everything changed when Chris came on the scene. I no longer had to carry the heaviness of my health alone, and for the first time, I had an eyewitness to what it’s like to live with chronic illnesses — the emotional exhaustion and the mental toll of keeping up with it all. His presence through surgeries, hospitalizations, and trips to the emergency room has been healing on so many levels.
The way my husband cares for me is unmatched. I’ve never felt like a burden with him, nor have I felt guilty that my health has gotten in the way of our life. Even when I had to go to the emergency department on our honeymoon, he was supportive and empathetic. He knows what I need when it comes to caring for me, and he continuously reminds me that he will do whatever it takes for my health.
Caring for me in big and little ways
Chris is one of the most observant people I’ve ever known. Since I met him, he’s remembered tiny details about my life, things I’ve said once while trailing off, and he’s paid attention to visual cues about how I’m feeling on any given moment. He always follows up with me after doctor appointments, ensures I take my medications, and keeps tabs on me about following my healthcare plan. It’s been a blessing to have an extra set of eyes on my health.
When I’m sick, Chris takes over everything at home. On top of working full time, going to school, and also working a part-time job, he takes care of me. And he kicks into overdrive when I’m unwell and handles all of the laundry as well as the cooking and cleaning. He waits on me hand and foot so that I don’t have to lift a finger. I’m always amazed at how deeply he cares for me.
He insists on going with me on every trip to the emergency department, which has happened numerous times in the past year. He doesn’t want me to be alone or to drive myself when I don’t feel well. He patiently sits beside me for hours on end as we figure out what’s wrong. His overall demeanor is patient and kind, and I’m pretty sure that he qualifies for sainthood.
Chris cares for me in big ways, but in the little ways, too. For example, when we’re out to dinner and I’m stabbing my belly with insulin while trying to unwrap my silverware, he notices what I’m doing and unwraps it for me. He lays out my enzymes while setting the table for dinner at home because he pays attention to how many I take. When I nebulize at bedtime, he won’t go to sleep until I’m finished because he doesn’t want me to do it alone. These moments make me feel so seen and that I matter, and I’m not alone in caring for my illness.
What sets my husband apart as a caregiver is that I know he’s just being himself. As we observe National Family Caregivers Month, I’m reminded that, in my home, the titles of husband and caregiver go hand in hand.
Chris is the best example of the love of Jesus that I’ve ever experienced. He naturally cares for me in a way that doesn’t feel infantile, burdensome, or inconvenient. Instead, his love and care for me remains steadfast, even when there’s more sickness than health.
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
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