November 16, 2008 ~ I’ve Fallen In Love Many Times…
A couple years ago, when I was changing the look of our bedroom with new paint, sheets, coverlets and decorative pillows, I added a design element that has come to mean more to me every day since I added it to the wall. It is a saying. A quote.
I’m a word-oriented person. Maybe, if you’re a regular reader of my blog you have figured that out about me. I love the flow of beautiful words, love how they sing and sail when the phrase, the sentence or paragraph is just right. I’m not saying that I always get it right – I don’t of course. But, oh how it tickles me when it all comes together! It is like music.
So I was looking for a phrase that expressed just how I felt about John. I searched quotation books, websites of famous quotes, scripture – all kinds of sources. When I found it, I asked John how he liked it and he said it was just how he felt about me too. It was perfect. For us anyway. It says:
I’ve fallen in love many times . . . always with you.
The truth is that John and I have really only ever been in love once. With each other. We started dating when I was 14 and he was 16 and were married four years later. So we haven’t exactly been in and out of love with a lot of other people. But, I can say that through the years I have continued to fall in love with him, and isn’t that the way marriage is supposed to be?
When I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, it was out of the blue. We don’t have breast cancer in our family, don’t even really have a strong family connection to any cancer. There was no lump felt in a self exam, no hint of what was lurking. So when the doctor came gravely into the room and told us his findings, there was little to prepare us for the blow. That is when I fell in love, once again, with John. He was strong and positive, though we were both profoundly sad and confused. He became my fellow warrior and I knew that, in him, I had an advocate to count on and a comrade who would never ever give up. He is in my corner. Always.
Having someone to count on in that unconditional way is rare and special, and I know that John was a gift that God gave me over 30 years ago. He knew, even then, that we would need each other for this journey, and He knew that I would need a strong shoulder to lean on, to cry on, and to help me push this mountain away. That’s what I mean when I say that God knows every bend and turn on this dark and perilous road. He knew I’d need a helper to hold my hand, share every concern or fear, pray with me, and trust with me for a brighter day – and so He gave John to me. Having him there makes it all so much easier.
Thank you, Lori and John, for the fragrance of Heaven I enjoy at this moment. I know that the reality of your relationsip is touching those around you to replace blandness with beauty! God bless…my prayer is that “your love would abound more and more in all knowledge …” (Philippians 1:9)
Thanking God for putting such an amazing man in your life! I loved the way you explained how He knew you would both need each other on this journey. That is so true! Don’t you just love that God knows what we need and when we’ll need it way before we do?!? He is so good!!!
This is a great post and I completely agree with you, God does give us gifts. I didn’t have a “love” while I was going through my battle and it was very difficult. Then during my recovery I met Mr. Right and he has been such a gift. I know God saw that I was wearing thin and needed someone to lean on and so he gave me Bryan.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and the kind comment. Cancer is such a difficult journey but WOW did it make me such a better person. I was give only a 20% chance of surviving and I was sure that I would not. Now here I am cancer free. You too will beat this!
I hope that we can get to know each other. This is a sisterhood, one that comes with a very high price. but, the higher the price the more valuable, right? Even though we have never met I we have a bond that is uncompromisable.
Email me anytime megse5@netscape.net and you will be put on my blog roll so I can keep up with you
xoxo
Meaghan
Thanks for visiting my blog, Lori.
You are fortunate to have a strong shoulder for you to lean on during this challenging moment in your life. But as I said in my posting, there’s life after breast cancer! So, do strive on for your recovery. Stay positive that hope is just around the corner. It may be a tough ride, but you can do it! It’s all in the mind, Lori.
Aunt Lori, I just want you to know that have been blessed by how you and uncle john love one another. It is a perfect example of good times and bad, sickness and in health, and upmost commitment. It’s something that us crazy youngins can learn from! I still love to read what you write, so please keep em coming
Hope to see you soon. I always enjoy being at your house for the holidays, You make it so special!!