An Early Christmas Present

Over 26 years, I have been married to the best husband any man could be. He has been taking such good care of me since (and before, but in a different way) this illness began. Without his love and patience, I might not even make it out the bed until late in the evening each day.

As I've mentioned before, he helps me to sit up, places the icepack on my back and brings me a cup of macchiato in the morning. He knows that the icepack (with meds of course) is my lifeline and without it, I can't even begin to move myself out of bed. He shows me so much love by making sure I'm able to function each day, before he leaves for work. I know, and appreciate, how hard this is when you're trying to focus on getting ready, and making it to work on time. His love shows in all the adjustments, rearranging, etc., he does around the house to make sure I can get around with the wheelchair. For instance, as soon as we moved, he built sort of a deck like ramp so I could get to the car. With steps leading to the drive, it just wasn't a simple type of ramp.

I don't get around much with all the pain and what not, but he makes sure I'm able to get out of the house at least once a week. I have visual high hopes of getting out and about, but my body doesn't seem to let me do all that I want. Mickey says he knows when I'm having a really hard time if I turn down going to stores like "Walmart". I love to just browse around, pick up little odd and ends, and shop for snacks. I don't make it there as much as I'd like to, or even close to it.

Well, Saturday we (me, Mickey, Keonna - daughter, and Tanira - granddaughter) went to pick up a puppy for me. I already knew we couldn't afford a full bred "Yorkie" so we got a "Chorkie". A yorkie and chiwauwau mix. I wanted a boy puppy but they were all black and looked more like a chiwauwau. So, I ended up with an adorable girl puppy who is just the tiniest thing and she was the only pup out the batch that looked like a yorkie. For now, she has a black and brown coat but eventually she'll be a steel cobalt-blue color. She's so precious and playful. Thankfully, she won't grow over five pounds, at least we hope not because that's my weight restriction.

Mickey really didn't want to ever get a puppy so I really appreciate him changing his mind for me. She had an accident yesterday and he said it's alright, she has to learn. I love him so much for always being there for me, in all the ways that really count. We have plenty of ups and downs, just like any other couple but over time they don't seem to be a really big deal.

We say what we feel, one or the other might get upset for a short spell or a couple days, but overall we know we love each other and it will be alright. He even seems to manage (and I don't know how) my deep depression periods. Thank GOD they usually don't last longer than a week and lately they've only lasted as much as a day.

Since Pinky's first accident, she's gone to her spot the rest of the day and night, and again so far today. I make sure to give her a snack afterward, while clapping. I'm so thankful to always be reminded that I have the gift of love and caring from Mickey. He's adjusting to having Pinky around and that's terrific.

I hope everyone is having a glorious day!! Please continue to keep everyone at ASAP in your thoughts and prayers. Remember, guests are welcome. www.asap.org/forum