24th post. In sickness and in health

WHK

Jumping ahead a bunch of months…but wanted to write something  – especially today, about Beth.

Nothing says “in sickness and in health” like cancer.

Today is our eighth wedding anniversary. We were married 10/10/10 in Chicago, but I count from May, 2003 when we first met at a wedding – so 15 years.

My life with Beth has been the greatest journey possible. Truly, for me, one plus one equals ten. Even before “Polly” showed up in our lives this March I had really improved and changed my life in so many ways for the great, due to Beth’s influence on me. As with her friends and her family, she encourages and allows and leads me to be my best. She pushes us all to reconcile the aspirational with the actual.

Since March I have learned even more from Beth about how to lead a courageous and selfless and generous life. I marvel every day at the manner in which Beth has handled our sickness. She started setting an example from the moment we were told. The grief counselor (I think she was more antiseptically named than that) had little to do in our meeting for Beth or me. Beth had her inner strength to look after herself, and she had her extra strength to turn on for me and our children and family. One of her first expressions, after “can you f—-g believe this?!,” was “I am so sorry, honey.” Later, I heard “if someone is going to get cancer, better me than they.” And then it was on to the practical planning and questions that had to take place.

Living together happily in marriage is good; having a partnership that allows you to both grow, to strive to be your best selves, to have the support to take risks and to openly live your failures and weaknesses, is an amazing thing. I tell our children often – finding the right partner for your life is the most important factor for your happiness and success and community. I am the luckiest guy around to know that I found that partner for me, and my children.

Happy Anniversary Beth. I love you to the moon and back, Will.