
A year ago, I dreaded the mark of the first anniversary. I knew my mind would be overwhelmed with painful thoughts of a day I wish had never happened. I would re-live each hour, and all the horror that struck each member of my family, and most especially my husband. I was more worried about the expectations regarding recovery from a spinal cord injury and concerned that we were at the end of the time-frame for improvements that were set by physicians and that which was printed in medical text books.
Yet, August 6th, 2013 came and went. We shed our tears, and got through the day. I was glad I didn't have to worry about that day anymore. It was done, over-with, and the pressure was off. My husband was still with us, I still had my family, and the world didn't come crashing down.
So here we are, another year gone past. What's different about this year is that I'm not caught up in the worry of the anniversary, but instead am celebrating the fact that we got through another year in-tact. We've had our challenges, but this past year was better than the year before, and hopefully this next year will be even better.
In honor of this day, I want to raise my glass and give a toast to my husband for all he has endured these past two years. You would be brought to tears if you only knew what it is like for him on a daily basis. The aches and pains, the loneliness, the frustration, the sadness, the disappointment, the struggle, the missing out...it lives inside him, but you would never know it, because he puts on his warrior face each and every day, and fights through. I admire his strength, courage, endurance, and above all the love he shares with me and the kids.
While "Happy Anniversary" would not be fitting, this 2nd year anniversary is to be recognized for all the victories, large or small. So here's to you Swede. May you keep fighting the fight, and find peace and happiness in all that you do. I LOVE YOU!!