A Young Wife’s Tale

When my husband and I were engaged, my mother told me, “I don’t care whether or not you go for pre-marital counseling. Nothing can prepare you for marriage.” She was right, but not even my mother knew the challenges my husband and I would face in our marriage.

On July 8, we celebrated five years of marriage. Those five years have been dominated by health problems. It started off with my health. I had severe TMJ Disorder and a knee injury. Then in our second year of marriage, my husband, David, was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Although he was being treated, he continued to get worse until our third year of marriage when he began experiencing flares that left him bedridden for days at a time.

We’re back in New Jersey. Christmas in Dallas was wonderful! I was thrilled to meet my newest nephew and spend time with all of my family.

The good people at the animal shelter finally called us back on December 28. As soon as I walked in with the dog, they said, “Your owners are looking for you!” Yes, the owners had called animal control, and so we have another happy ending.

David’s brother-in-law just finished chemotherapy, and as a show of support, David shaved his head just before we left.

David and I are home for Christmas! It’s so good to be back in Texas. This summer when we were here on vacation, we rescued a stray, and we’ve done it again this time. We’re still waiting for animal control to be open so we can take her to the shelter. My parents have been [...]

I have killed more plants than I care to remember. So when I won this bonsai tree from My Blessed Life, I told David now was his chance. His chance to be a farmer. If he could keep the bonsai alive, maybe he could grow some basil for me. From there, who knows? Farming fruit trees or raised vegetable beds? Maybe a real farm when we retire?

Brother #3 is back in Dallas. We had a great time while he was here. We decided that Pat’s on 9th Street in Philly really is the “King of Steaks”. David had someone to play video games with, and we all got to try “water ice” which is kind of like a slush.