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Maybe someday I’ll write a post directed at the spouse of someone with a chronic illness and you’ll be able to show it to your spouse and say “see, told ya….” but today isn’t that day. Today is about us.
We can find quite a bit on the internet directed at the loved ones and friends of someone with a chronic illness but when there are two people in a relationship, they both have the obligation to do their part to make the relationship the best it can be.
During the whole dating process, you’re supposed to be open and honest with each other. You learn all you can about this wonderful person you want to spend the rest of your life with. You know they aren’t perfect, after all, no one is. But you’ve decided you can live with their faults and they can live with yours.
But what happens when another concern enters the picture after you’re married.
Thursday was my 27th anniversary. When I stood holding my husband’s hand and saying my “I do’s” it was just him and me. “In sickness and in health” was a line we repeated as the Pastor directed. What I didn’t realize was that one day that line would feel more like we had added another person to this marriage.
Doesn’t a Chronic Illness seem like another person at times?
Marido: “Wanna go get something to eat.”
Esposa: “Let me check with C.I. – No we can’t. C.I. needs to be at physical therapy by noon, then back home by 2 pm to take her meds. She said her legs aren’t up to the walk from the parking lot into the cafe. So, as much as I’d love to go with you, I’m going to have to stay here with C.I. Oh, and by the way, while I’m with C.I. today, I’m going to need you to pick up the groceries and run a few other errands for me, ok?”
See what I mean. It’s like there’s a third person in the mix now and how we handle this intrusion can make or break our marriage.
I asked a few of my chronic illness blogger friends to offer their tips for a healthy marriage despite having an unhealthy illness. Some knew about their illness before marriage, some didn’t. But regardless of when the chronic illness joins your marriage, there are still hardships and challenges that take place.
HERE ARE THEIR SUGGESTIONS:
