No, Larry does not have an autoimmune condition – I think I’ve got enough for both of us, thank you very much. But he’s most definitely in an autoimmune marriage. And not to toot my own horn, but I picked really well back at the ripe old age of 18. I knew he was an amazing guy then, and I have a decade’s worth of proof now. Since I “got sick” (I hate that phrase, but in this case I mean it – from the start of this long road back when I had mono/glandular fever) he’s picked up the slack left, right and centre. If I needed something he got it for me. If I hated something he got rid of it for me. If I had no idea what I wanted he helped me figure it out. And when he needed or wanted something, we figured out together how to get it done.
That’s not to say that life has been peachy every single second of the last few years. The changes that come with a chronic condition, much less more than one, are hard and scary and, if you let them, could easily shatter every dream you’ve ever held. There are tears, my friends, many tears. But we wipe them away and take it one step at a time, and sometimes when we do look up and look around we’re amazed at where we are. Sometimes in a good way, and sometimes not, but at least we’re there together.
Recently I was filling out a Myasthenia Gravis Medication Information Card and Larry started teasing me because I couldn’t fit everything onto the lines provided. Then he stopped laughing and said “Jesus, who would have thought we’d ever get here?” I wasn’t sure what to say, but I focused on the fact that he said “we”. It seemed like a profound moment. Then I heard from behind me “I want chicken. Do you want some chicken? Do we have any chicken?” It was my autoimmune marriage fit into 30 seconds.
Rob Thomas released “Her Diamonds” a little while ago and it’s become something of an autoimmune anthem. He’s been supporting his wife for years as she struggled with an autoimmune condition similar to lupus, and this song discusses not only her pain but his pain at not being able to help her. Every line resonates with me. But I hope that Rob, and Larry, and every other partner to someone with an autoimmune condition out there knows that the line “I can’t help her now’ is totally false.
You help just by being there.
More than you’ll ever know.
Oh Beth, you brought a tear to my eye.
You are one lucky lady to have Larry – I’m so glad he takes such good care of you.
Aww…you definitely chose well, Beth. Larry sounds like the best, plus I love how much he makes you laugh.
Truer words were never written…………………..
Beautiful
My mom has an autoimmune disease and my dad has been a star since the day she was finally diagnosed. I’m glad you have your own star!
Dang girl made me cry first thing this morning. Larry is a rare treasure and I’m so glad you have him to take care of you, laugh with (and at
) you, cry with you. Larry’s a real gem.
That’s beautiful Beth! You’re both very lucky to have each other.
You have said it all, Beth. It is just knowing someone is there that gives both strength and courage.
What a lovely, warm tribute to your man!
Hurray for Larry. The world needs more Larrys!!
Thanks for sharing Beth!
I’m going to cry! I am in awe of you an Larry, for so many reasons.
Awww, great post! Larry sounds like a wonderful man. And I looooove me some Rob Thomas.
Larry is the best and he has always been! But you are great to, you have handle this disease with such grace and humor. Even when things get bad you always find a way to look at the bright side or find some humor it. You are such an inspiration to me everyday and you and larry are the best. I am so glad you have eachother!!