My husband expresses his love by showing up when it matters
He was my rock during a recent difficult health setback
Calm, cool, and collected: These are just a few words that describe how my husband, Chris, approaches my various health crises.
I always knew my husband was incredible, but I’ve witnessed his strength on a deeper level over the past few months. My health challenges have made this a particularly difficult season, as I was hospitalized for three weeks and then required intravenous antibiotics at home. Chris remained steadfast through it all.
Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and having undergone a double-lung transplant eight years ago complicates my health. I’ve been blessed to have relatively stable health since my transplant, especially compared to my pre-transplant life with CF. Normally, I’m quite independent, but in recent months, I’ve needed more help due to my health struggles.
The nature of unconditional love
In previous years, during National Family Caregivers Month, I’ve written about how my parents were my caregivers during health crises, particularly my transplant. Now that I’m married, Chris has filled that role in a way I never thought possible. It’s been a challenging learning curve and a healing process all at the same time.
When our dog, Oreo, had a sitter, Chris would sleep beside my hospital bed and wake up extra early to go to work. On other nights, he would stay late at the hospital and then go home to be with Oreo. He even drove me 12 hours to my transplant center for further treatment, and then stayed with me for a week. He holds me when I cry, cares for me when I’m unwell, and shows up for me in every circumstance.
While crises sometimes reveal the worst in people, I’ve seen it bring out the best in my husband. Despite the less-than-pleasant side effects of prednisone, Chris has taken everything in stride. His love for me hasn’t wavered. If anything, I’ve witnessed an even deeper expression of his love. I’m in awe that he still wants to be around me!
Chris has taught me that love strengthens during life’s hardest seasons. He hasn’t left my side; he has advocated for me and held my hand when I received frightening news regarding my health. In quiet moments while I was hospitalized, he helped me envision a future beyond the darkness I was experiencing, which often made me feel defeated. Chris reignited my hope when I was exhausted, lifting my spirits and making me laugh during stressful times. He always knew what I needed to hear.
There’s an extra layer of care from my husband that I’m not used to. I’d previously lived alone since I was 18, and nobody was there to witness my moments of solitude, with tears streaming down my face as I prepared for yet another medical hurdle. With Chris around, that’s not something I can hide from him. He embraces me with the biggest hug, melting away my fear and sadness and replacing it with peace. I no longer have to carry the burden of my health alone, and that by itself is a healing change.
What stands out most to me is his patient care and love. After three weeks in the hospital, I came home on intravenous antibiotics for an additional two weeks. I felt exhausted and terrible from the side effects, which left me with little energy after work. Chris handled everything around the house, cooked for me, and took care of my needs while doting on me. He insisted that I rest, which I desperately needed, and helped me feel better.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson I’ve learned through this experience is that I’m not alone. Having Chris by my side has stretched me in ways I never anticipated but truly needed. He has demonstrated a love I’d previously only read about in the Bible: “Love is patient and kind.” He is the most precious gift, and I’m so grateful to God for my husband, who knows me on the deepest level, has seen it all, and loves me just the same.
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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