Thursday, February 14, 2013

Love



First of all, thank you so much for all of your prayers. They really meant so much to both me and my husband.

My husband's surgery went very well yesterday. He's in a lot of pain but that's to be expected, and the doctors were so pleased with how everything turned out. He's been a trooper. I'll still be Nurse Kate for another few days, but he should be himself again soon and begin to feel the healing effects of the procedure.

Going through this surgery with my husband was a very new and nerve-wracking experience for me. I know that I wasn't actually "going through" anything--just some anxiety and lots of waiting and trying to smile and be calm and relaxed. He was the one getting wheeled into the operating room, not me. But as all of you who are married know, your spouse is part of you. My husband is my other half. On our wedding day we became one flesh, not in body but in spirit, and I didn't know how hard it would be to leave his side and wait for good news from the surgeon.

When the surgeon did come out to personally tell me that everything went beautifully and that my husband would be waking up soon, I experienced another new feeling--a kind of joy and relief I'd never gone through before. I knew the surgery would go well, I trusted his excellent doctors, and had faith in God's love and mercy, but I was completely tense up until the minute I heard all was well. I shot up a silent prayer, feeling so grateful to Him for protecting and watching over my dear husband. In addition to the surgeon, two technicians who were in the surgery came out to the waiting room to reassure me. I know they were just doing their jobs, but it felt like they understood everything I was feeling. It felt like they really understood at that moment that we were discussing the person closest to me in the world, and that any extra reassurance would be welcomed by me. That felt so good.

When I heard the nurse call "Mrs. Harvey" and I finally got to see my husband and give him a kiss (almost 2 hours after I heard all was well--torture!) I could finally relax. I felt terrible about the pain he was in but ultimately, he was ok, and this surgery was something he really needed.

This morning, my husband said "Happy Valentine's Day" to me and said that he felt badly that today wasn't going to be very fun or romantic. He even apologized. But you know what? I made a vow to love my husband in sickness and in health, and I'm getting the chance to live those wedding day vows. That's romance enough for me.




14 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photo :) and I’m so glad things went well with the surgery. I was praying! Must have been so tense for you, I can only imagine!

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  2. How beautiful this post is. You are such a great example of what real marriage and real love looks like. So glad your husband's surgery went well. Hoping you can have some sweet moments together today.

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  3. This was so beautifully written, Kate. Thank you for sharing your heart about this. And I'm SO glad that all went well for the surgery, what a relief for you! I hope that his recovery is complete and quick!

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  4. This is a moving primer on what it means to love--aches and joys wrapped into one unfathomable package. I'm so glad you were able to take something painful like this and learn from it, find some farther corner in your soul, and use it give beautiful contrast and depth to the airy ease of happy, comfortable days. We are so glad you and Steve have got this behind you. St. Valentine's love to the patient!

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  5. Thanks Katie, those prayers were heard and appreciated! :)

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  6. Thank you so much Leah for saying that. We did have many sweet moments today, despite it all :)

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  7. Thank you Natalie :) You're kind to say this. I hope it's a speedy recovery too!

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  8. I love this. You said it perfectly. I will pass on the Valentine's love to my patient :)

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  9. Yes, amen...it's so true that your spouse is truly your other half! I am so happy he is doing well! You write so beautifully:) and your faith is amazing! love Katie
    www.hopeengaged.blogspot.com

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  10. So glad to hear that everything turned out okay! It sounds like you and your husband have a wonderfully close bond, and that kind of love is what matters most on Valentine's Day. :)

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  11. Well thanks Katie, that's very sweet of you. I'm off to check out your blog now :)

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  12. oh my goodness - I missed this before, but I am so glad to hear that all is well. much much love to you both in this time of healing together.

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  13. Thanks Betsy, that's so kind of you. :)

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