The Very Best

Disney World, February 2014

Jon doesn't get down very often. He handles his disease with amazing strength, humor and grace. Recently, however, he had a hard week. As it turns out, he wasn't worried about his discomfort and he isn't afraid of what is to come. Jon was sad about what he is missing out on as a dad.

Boundary Waters, 2013

Jon and I always knew we'd have a big family...and we also always knew that, while we loved our children at every age, we were really going to enjoy the teenage years. Because, seriously, teenagers are SO MUCH FUN. Which has proven to be true. Our teenagers are a good time.

And so, that week, Jon was feeling so sad about what he was missing out on with our boys. He's not playing basketball and passing along his pretty fantastic shooting skills. He's not in the boundary waters passing along his love of the outdoors. He's not on the golf course teaching them that all it takes is one good shot to keep you coming back for more. 

There are few things more attractive than a man in a pink apron, doing the dishes!

He's not in the kitchen passing along his incredible work ethic, as Jon always understood that he was just as responsible for our home and family as I was. Rarely did I have to do the dishes. Nor is he passing along his love of cooking and of good food... Thankfully he did that before ALS. All of our kids are pretty proficient in the kitchen thanks to Jon!

Jon teaching Bitsy how to swing in our  kitchen, 2012

Jon is no longer on the dance floor teaching our girls to swing, or showing our boys the ropes for their current experiences with dances and girls.

Jon guiding Abby and Katie through a tough hike, 2012

Jon is sad sometimes about what he is missing out on, but I count the ALS experience for our children as one of the blessings of this disease. This is allowing Jon to pass on to his children the very best part of him. His love of people and his absolute drive to always love and care for everyone he came in contact with. Jon has always understood that God is love, and the best way to be a good Christian is to love the people around, and simply do everything you can to take care of them. It is truly a gift for him. Jon surely would have rather taught our children these lessons by example, rather than being the recipient, but they are learning them none the less. 

Exactly what I signed up for

Our engagement photo...we were babies!

I'm not going to lie. Today was rough. Jon hasn't been feeling well lately, so I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night. And then there was a series of events that were just hard to deal with this morning. (Don't worry...nothing serious.)

I'm embarrassed to say that I was incredibly human today. And not terribly kind... So much so that I had to apologize to Jon later. (Insert sheepish face emoticon.) I definitely have those days...particularly when I'm tired.

That said, I'm still grateful for this life that we are living together, and there is absolutely no place I'd rather be.

About a month ago, Jon made an off hand comment that 'I didn't sign up for this.' He wasn't feeling sorry for himself. It was just very matter-of-fact. To be clear, this is not what I would have asked for, but it is exactly what I signed up for.

When we got married, I hoped for a long life together. One filled with adventures, laughter, babies and grand babies, and eventually, gray hair and wrinkles. OK, so we already have them...but you know what I mean.

But what I signed up for was so much more. I signed up for richer and poorer, sickness and health, good times and bad. I signed up to enjoy the incredible, joy filled ride we've had. I also signed up for the struggles and trials we've had.

Jon is my world. I can't even imagine what it could possibly feel like to love another person more than I love him. Our current life is not what I would have chosen, but it is exactly what I signed up for.