in sickness and health

As jobs go, my wife has for more than fifteen years held positions of responsibility in Nursing education that are more akin to the unit commanders I served in the Navy. From years in the Navy, and now long hours commuting and challenging duties at work, I understand the need to take time off. Mini-vacations. Dates. Fortunately, in contrast to many literary authorities quoted on the subject of marriage, we enjoy spending time together.

There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends. Homer

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The change in the weather since January, from warm to cold and wet and back has created a lot of colds and flu in the workplace. My wife fell ill this past Thursday and spent her Friday off, in bed, congested and aching. Today, I have been able to be the “doting” husband, to take care of her needs. A couple of times this was going out to buy soup, and drop my son off at the gym and later at his work.

A woman’s life is not perfect or whole till she has added herself to a husband. Nor is a man’s life perfect or whole till he has added to himself a wife. Anthony Trollope

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For years, when I unknowingly suffered a food allergy that put me in the hospital for days, my wife was able to balance work, family and minister to her hospitalized husband. Last year, surgery and a change in my diet fixed me. Now, I am able to care for my infrequently ailing spouse.

Among my manly nursing skills, I can boil up chicken soup, bring Kleenex, give back rubs, and most importantly, let her sleep.