Haylee (Daughter)

Growing up my dad would always tell me that I would never find someone who loved Pauly Shore as much as I did. I think one summer I watched BioDome over 20 times because it was on constantly thanks to HBO. 

Well, fast forward to today, and I’m married to someone who fits that description. I mean, come on…when asking my dad for his permission to marry me, he gave my dad a DVD copy of Son in Law. We thought it was clever, and I think my dad did too. 

Who you marry is important. 

Clearly that’s not a new concept, and I think most people understand that. You’re saying “I do.” to someone that you’ll spend the rest of your life with, someone you’ll share the ups and downs with, someone who will love you through whatever life may bring. 

For me, and I’m sure for most, I thought about all the positives; starting a family, making memories, going on adventures. I didn’t immediately think about the hard stuff; financial hardships, unexplained infertility, near death experiences.

My husband is my ride or die. He is my safe place, my protector, my helpmeet. 

I knew, before all of this happened to me, that he would do anything for me. I guess I just never imagined it would include daily bandage changes, ostomy care, and advocating for medical care that would inevitably save my life. 

Fight or flight was thrown at him full force, and boy did he fight! He fought to have me transferred to a higher level of care. He fought to stay awake and alert so that if/when I woke up from the coma that I wouldn’t be alone. He fought to make sure that this mama got back to her baby.

I don’t know if there is anything I could ever do or say to convey the amount of thankfulness and gratitude I have for my husband. While he would say otherwise, he deserves the world, especially after all of this.

He truly is my hero.