Five years

I should have written this last week, but the truth is that I couldn't put my finger on why I kept thinking that Sept. 18 had some meaning to me.

A day later, I asked Brian why the day was sticking out in my mind - did we miss someone's birthday? And then I remembered: Sept 18, 2003. The day Brian was diagnosed with Leukemia. It's strange how I've remembered that day every day for the last four years. In fact, I used to be aware of the day long before it arrived. Perhaps it's a good thing that the memories of that day - and those days - are starting to fade. It tells me that we're moving on and are in a different stage of our lives. And for that I am incredibly grateful.

At the same time, I think it's good for me to stop and remember. Some of you knew this then, but Brian and I were three weeks away from our wedding day when he was finally diagnosed. We had been wondering for months what was wrong. When the wedding crept closer, my dad got things rolling with new doctors in UT and within a day, Brian was checked into the hospital. The wedding was postponed for six months and we got ready for an ordeal of a lifetime. Brian's treatments lasted for three years - but the first year was the most intense. Chemo, radiation, nausea, pneumonia, joint pain, etc. That was our new life. Brian handled all of this like a champ. He was positive and occasionally, in quiet moments, showed his real worry. We rarely talked about the real fears that we had, but we both knew they were there. Back then I hoped, but didn't know if we would make it five years or five months. We appreciated each moment and I remember not worrying about stupid things that many newlyweds do. We just loved each other.

Five years is a long time. Back then, it was the "five year mark" and "ten year mark" that seemed so far away for us, letting us know that Brian was finally in the clear. Several doctors appointments, worries, and surgeries later, we're here! We look forward to another five years of good health. We will continue to appreciate each year, each month, each day, and each hour we have to be together. Brian and I have always believed this experience has taught us things that other couples rarely learn so early in their marriage. We know that life is so precious. There just isn't enough time to take any of it for granted. Brian is my hero. He is, without a doubt, the most incredible person I know. So today, a week late, I am so thankful for the last five years and can't wait to see what's next.