My Valentine

My sweet husband, of almost 4 years, is my Valentine! I don’t tell him often enough how much I appreciate him – his unconditional love, his prayers for me, his love for our daughter, his help with the everyday things in life…because it really is a miracle that he is with us. Here’s a bit of a back story, the short version of course…

In the summer of 2000, through a series of circumstances, Clay was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 22. Although Clay and I didn’t know each other way back when, I hear the stories of courage from all of his family members and am amazed by his faith in the Lord that whatever the outcome, it would be okay. I’m not so sure how strong I would have been for him if I would’ve known him during this time. Cancer is such an ugly and emotional thing that I would have been a mess. Not knowing the outcome, not knowing what tomorrow would hold. Thankfully, his mom was strong and right there by his side every step of the way. Since coming into his life, I have experienced some effects of the cancer – yearly doctor tests and scans, short hospital stay in Utah, 4 attacks of pancreatitis in one year that required a 4-5 day hospital stay each time, in which I stayed and slept in the uncomfortable hospital chair every night. I was there holding his hand and will continue to do so whatever may come. Even though Clay is now “cancer-free” it still lingers in all the future appointments and worries (at least on my part) for the rest of his life. Praise the Lord for healthy reports at the last several scans and we can only pray for clear reports for all future scans. Clay amazes me with his strength and ability to handle situations, especially dealing with his help. I’m so proud of him and am proud to be his wife.

Clay, because I know you read this, thank you for your love for me and for Reese, thank you for being so strong, thank you for being my soulmate. I know I don’t tell you enough or thank you enough for all you do for us. You’ll never know how much you mean to me. I love you forever.

Here's a look back at us: