In Sickness and in Health

Guest post
by Suzann Darnall

I did not get to write a WoolyMammoth.Org Essay last week. I had family coming in for a special extra long weekend, so had postponed writing my WMO until Friday evening. But, sometimes when a woman makes plans, the Lord has a alternative plan He moves into place. So it was this past week. Not only did I not get to around to writing my essay or preparing my Sunday church bulletin, I did not participate in the special family event. Nor did my dear husband, Pete.

Instead, we spent a four day weekend at Brooke Army Medical Center. With some of the family in attendance from time to time, as well as some friends stopping in to visit Pete. And, it all started with a phone call that essentially told Pete to pack a bag, head straight to the Emergency room, plan on at least spending the night, and surgery would be taking place. While some procedures and tests did take place, we are back home still awaiting final test results so we can schedule the most vital surgery that was postponed pending the results of aforementioned tests. But, this is not just about this surgery or this hospital visit. This is about marriage and the vows we make, whether spoken or in our hearts.

Pete and I were originally married using the traditional vows with the phrase “in sickness and in health”. It also mentioned “‘til death do us part”. But, we have since that earlier date been sealed in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and this go ‘round our marriage can be for time AND all eternity. Death will not part us for more than a brief space of time. But, for me, much of my original vows remain in place, like, “in sickness and in health”. My dear husband has shown that this is true for him as well.

I have had health issues from time to time in our marriage, including numerous surgeries and hospital visits. My husband has supported me and cared for me through my many bad times. While he has been fortunate to have better health, I have nevertheless tried to be just as supportive of him when he has been in need of TLC of a more medical nature. We are really one another’s best advocates when dealing with the complexities and confusion that oft times ensues while dealing with the medical community. I am grateful for the times he made sure I was properly cared for and I have tried to do the same for him.

This is not to say we do not trust doctors and nurses, we just want to make sure we understand what is happening and that we agree it is for the best. Kind of a trust, but verify situation. And, believe me, it is good we feel this way ‘cause a time or two . . . or more . . . it is only our intervention that has diverted possible disaster. So, I am a firm believer in husbands and wives keeping one another “in sickness and in health”. Patients oft times need an advocate. Who better than their beloved spouse?

Next time your sweetheart has to go into the hospital or even for a major doctor appointment, ask if you are needed for support? They might prefer to not go it alone. Tender Loving Care is more than just a string of letters. It is a way of life that can guide a couple throughout the eternities.
Suzann blogs at Wooly Mammoth.org