16 years ago today, in a bittersweet ceremony by the hearth of our little rented house in Clintonville, Chris and I got legally married so I wouldn't lose my medical coverage (under which I was being treated for a potentially cancerous condition.) Remember the days of pre-existing conditions? My COBRA coverage from being a graduate student was up and I was taking several meds (all now cheap OTCs) that cost me almost 1/4 of my graduate student stipend.
We were already planning our wedding for May, but were forced to make it official one cold Thursday night. We chose the date - February 29th - as a way to minimize the reminders that our "real" wedding wouldn't be as we'd hoped.
It was a somber evening. We went out to dinner, but we simply ate and went home because we both worked early the next morning.
All we have to remember that evening is a badly framed snapshot taken by our waitress with a disposable camera. The wedding gift was that, as a result of our tough decision, the metaplasia was kept in check and never evolved into cancer.
Like most things in life, we didn't plan for our marriage to begin that way. However, I wouldn't trade that sad little evening for anything. In many ways, I see it as a testament to our strength as a couple. We face life's obstacles head-on, face the tough decisions, and make the best of them.
Most of the time, however, our lives are filled with smiles, laughter, sweet kids and lots of love.
I love you Chris. Always.
No comments:
Post a Comment