by Texas Homesteader ~
“For Better or For Worse, In Sickness Or In Health…”. I remember speaking those words to RancherMan as my husband-to-be on our wedding day. And I remember him saying those same words back to me. But what do they actually mean?
We weren’t merely repeating the words as the preacher prompted us. We both truly meant those vows to each other & to God.
Those who know us say that we’re like newlyweds even though we’ve been married for many years. And it’s true, his brown eyes still make my heart flutter.
But although It’s fun to be that cute couple at the church picnic who like to hold hands and always enjoy being together, it’s that ‘For Better or For Worse, In Sickness and In Health’ part that defines a true soulmate.
‘For Worse’ Being Put To The Test
We’ve had our share of life’s hardships over the years of course. But we’ve gotten through each one of them together, side-by-side.
Some of those trials have been harder than others. One striking example was dealt to us, one of our most stressful challenges.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer – those horrible words no woman wants to hear.
But the experience has exposed many blessings too. Including real action to prove those sacred words ‘For Better Or For Worse’
RancherMan, By My Side
How blessed I am to have him in my life! RancherMan was beside me at every diagnostic appointment, procedure & surgery as well as each & every follow-up visit with the many specialists afterward.
He told me one of his jobs was to hold my hand, and hold my hand he did! You see, I’m just a *little* needle-shy. But his hand was firmly grasping mine at each of those many episodes this year, calming and comforting me as only he can.
After Surgery
When the main surgery was over & the long recuperation began, that’s when he really began to shine. He was solely responsible for running the Homestead by himself while I was out of commission. What a huge task! And yet never once a complaint from him.
Plus he was the most amazing, tender, unselfish caregiver I could have ever imagined. He made sure I was comfortable.
And he made sure my prescriptions were filled and that I took them on time. It was he who made sure I ate right and slept as comfortably as I could.
He kept detailed records during my recovery for follow-up visits and he handled each & every insurance issue one-by-one as they came in. He told me I had enough to worry with, I shouldn’t be worrying with insurance. (smile)
I never had to ask for anything large or small, my needs were all met before I could ever ask!
Actually, it was at his insistence that I start this little blog of mine. He said it would help distract me, and give me a creative outlet while my body healed. Oh how I <3 him!!
‘For Better’ Days Ahead!
If there’s a silver lining to all of this (and there IS) it’s that this terrible year has drawn us even closer.
I have so much admiration for his strength and love. And I appreciate him in ways I could have never imagined had I not gone through this.
His eyes still sparkle when he looks at me. And with it’s with sincere love & devotion in his voice when he tells me it’s all been worth it because I’m still here with him.
Thankfully, we’ve gotten one of the baddest of the bad ‘Or Worse’ times out of our way and we’re looking forward to many more ‘For Better’ days ahead… TOGETHER!
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. I used to shrug off all the ‘pink’ that shows up this time of year with all the breast cancer fundraisers, etc.
But it’s personal now.
Ladies, do those self exams & get your mammograms. Protect your life because yes, even without a family history of breast cancer it CAN happen to you!
~TxH~
More about my healing journey:
- In Sickness & In Health
- The Love Of God Through The Love Of Others
- Witness In The Strangest Places
- A Restless Night & Comfort Received
- The Garden That LOVE Planted
- Pretty In Pink: Going Too Far?
- Putting Yourself Out There When You’re Painfully Shy
- Relay For Life = HOPE
- A Pocket-Cross Tradition For Comfort
See All My Stories About Cancer Survival
Other Inspiring Posts
- But… Don’t We All Want To Look Younger??
- How RancherMan & I Keep The Spark In Our Marriage
- My Journey May Not Be YOUR Journey: And That’s OK!
- The Importance Of The Family Supper Table
- The Power Of Love: Helping Neighbors In Need
- Paying It Forward, In REAL Life
- Many Flowers Make A More Beautiful Bouquet
- The Ripple Effect: How You Affect Others
- Pursuit of… HAPPINESS
- The Garden That ‘LOVE’ Planted
- Living Life With NO Regrets
- A Comforting Tradition When Times Are Tough
- Showing Love In A Time Of Sorrow
- Meal Ideas When Bringing Food To A Family
…and MANY MORE!
See Our Inspirational Posts
Other Humanity Posts
- Why Can’t We All Get Along With Our Fellow Humans??
- Many Flowers Make For A More Beautiful Bouquet
- Generosity Shouldn’t Be Judgmental: Just Show Love
- My Journey May Not Be YOUR Journey: And That’s OK!
- Learning To Say “NO” To More Commitments
- Snap Judgement: All Is Not Always As It Appears
- Gossip: Words Really CAN Hurt!
- Why Doesn’t Junior Want Grandma’s Fine China?
- September 11th – Where Were You?
- The Fast Life: Slowing Down & Living MORE
- The Importance Of The Family Supper Table
- Simplify Your Estate – Document These Numbers NOW!
- Learn To Recognize Stress In Your Family & Seek Help
See Other Humanity Posts
C’mon by & sit a spell! Come hang out at our Facebook Page . It’s like sitting in a front porch rocker with a glass of cold iced tea. There are lots of good folks sharing! And you can also follow along on Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram
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Dear Tammy…..I just found your site…..the photo of your farm/ranch is beautiful…..We lived on a farm for 10 years although we did not work the farm….just had the joy of living in the big old farm house and maintaining the home and grounds while renting and enjoying gardening and watching our boys grow up in a beautiful atmosphere. I too am a cancer survivor….one year out….and my wonderful husband just like yours was so supportive and caring. Because of my type of chemo….and its side affects my hair is sparse and I look somewhat like Eddie Munster and when I go out in public…I have my wig for confidence. My husband tells me I look fine with or without the ‘hair appliance’….which boosts my moral on a bad day. I enjoy your blog and stories and recipes and will continue to watch for it! Thanks for the beautiful story…Char
Oh Char, thank you for your sweet comments, and for sharing your story. Your home in the country sounds like a great place to raise your children. The house that stood on our property was struck by lightening back in the 50’s and burned down so I can only dream of living in a big ole farm house with all its history, we had our home built when we moved out here but I’d always dreamed of an older farm house. And congrats for being a 1-year SURVIVOR! I’m sure you found out (like I did) that there are lots of Warrior Sisters out there. After my diagnosis I discovered many women in my church were also survivors, and many followers of our FB page as well. They’ve all been so supportive and encouraging. I’m so glad you’re here, sweet girl. I hope you’ll stay for awhile, you’ll find lots of friends here!
What an inspiring love story. Thank you for sharing it. Everyone should be so lucky as to have a partner like your RancherMan. ♥
Beautifully shared – some don’t take the vows seriously, when the bad comes they fall apart – so delighted you have such a wonderful man! And that all is better now!
I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
Oh this is beautifully written you two are the perfect match he is truly a hero. I had a scare this year as well but luckily it turned out to be not breast cancer I was grateful and My Hero was waiting to do just as your hero was waiting to do and is now doing taking care of the one he loves. The best is yet to come. Loved this post. Thank you for sharing it. Take care Hug B
What a wonderful partner you have and such a beautiful post. I am so glad you are looking forward to better days!
I agree a wonderful partner, without whom I’m not really sure how I would have gotten through this year. His love & support were nothing short of astounding. I’ve often said that we live in a North Texas paradise, but now I’m able to focus on that beauty again – living in a place that speaks to my heart alongside the love of my life. What a bright future, come what may!
Thank you for sharing. We are not married but pray one day to have a marriage strong and abiding like this. Blessings.
Thank you for this post. I wrote a bit about my breast cancer this year and I hope you don’t mind that I added a link back to this post. You write with such love.
Joy
What a beautiful photo of the two of you out by the water. You can feel the love between the town of you just in the way you look at each other.
Great post! Many people merely recite those words “in sickness and in health”, but you guys surely are walking them out! What an inspiration.
What a inspiring story of true love. It does exist today just not as much as it should. I am so glad you beat the cancer and send my prayers. I have been married 25 years and it is the hard times that seem to make or break us. Glad you had RancherMan to help you through your ordeal. Sending my blessings. Visiting from Link Up Tuesday!
Marla – thank you so much for your kind words. You’re right, it seems to be the hard times that make or break relationships – I’m confident we stand on firm ground. Love it! Thanks so much for stopping by. ~TxH~
God Blessed you both for you have found something most people search a life time for! May God continue to bless you!
Awww Thank you Barbara. I’ve received so many blessings in my life I can’t count them all – but I do count RancherMan as one of my favorite blessings! ~TxH~
Thank you for sharing this, I appreciate hearing about another couple that has been through thick and thin and come out on the thick if only in their love for each other. My husband and I have been through an amazing about of things together. We have always said no matter what. “Well we still have each other”.
Hope you are feeling better and stronger. You go girl!
Jackie
đŸ™‚ Thanks Jackie. Not sure what I’d do without him in my life, ‘For Better Or For Worse’ he’s always there right beside me! ~TxH~