Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Blessed To See Him Shine!

"Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." ~Author Unknown

The last five to six months have been some of the strangest months of my life. Some of the time has been wonderful, and some of the time has been extremely rough. But through all of the ups and downs, my sweet husband has been unwaveringly steady and supportive.

The time that I spent away in the Mediterranean with Melissa was an emotional journey for me and Shannon. I had so much fun with Melissa, and I saw so many amazing things, but my journey was full of many difficult situations. Some I have shared with you all; some I have not. But suffice it to say, I experienced homesickness in a way that I never thought was possible.

The few times that I got to speak to Shannon on the phone while I was gone were fraught with many tears. Which must have been so hard for him to handle, because I was a world away and there was nothing that he could do to help me. But on the phone and via emails, he was so encouraging to me.

When Melissa and I finally landed at the airport in our home town, my heart was just pounding at the thought of seeing Shannon. And once I caught the first glimpse of him, I burst into tears (as did Shannon). I was completely overwhelmed at just the sight of him.

Shannon took care of our boys, Allie, the house, the grocery shopping, running the kid taxi, not to mention his more than full time job, and he did it all by himself. And he did it with a smile on his face, because he was just so happy for me to get the opportunity to travel with Melissa on what was obviously the trip of a lifetime.

Well, once I returned home, we were both very ready for our lives to return to "normal." But if you have been reading this blog for any amount of time, then chances are you already know...that is not what happened.

Three days after returning home, I found myself in the emergency room, feeling more pain than I have ever experienced in my life. Then almost three weeks after that, I found myself having back surgery, followed by what has turned into four months of recovery. And I am still recovering. Although, I can do more now, than I could do two months ago, I am still very limited in what I can do. Shannon has had to carry the heaviest part of the load for over five months now, but he has done it with so much grace and compassion.

I could write for days about all the things that he has done to take care of me and the boys over the last five months, but that is not what I want to share with you today. What I want to share with you is not what he has done for us, but how he has done everything for us.

Shannon has done the job of two parents for quite some time now, and he has done it all with a smile on his face. If I had to pick just one blessing that I have received throughout these difficult months (and there have been many), I would have to say that I have been blessed with the opportunity to see my husband shine! These last five months have been full of so many challenges, and it has been such a blessing to see him rise to the occasion with so much grace, compassion, and caring that I can't even begin to describe it to you.

I have shared with you all before (click here) that God has worked a miracle in our marriage, and the last few months of our lives, He has continued that work.

I love Shannon more now than I ever thought possible, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't change one thing that we have been through these last five months, because I would have missed the blessing of seeing Shannon shine.

I love you so much, Shannon. Thank you for loving and caring for me. My cup runneth over.



"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." ~Rabindranath Tagore

23 comments:

Tracey said...

My husband has really stepped up since hearing he is going to be a father. Every day I see him become a stronger man. I pray every day (it seems like all day) that our baby will be healthy and we will be good parents and every day Richard does something to show me we will be ok. God is working in our lives even when we don't know it. What is the corny line...what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! I see that God has blessed me and made this man ESPECIALLY FOR ME! WOW!

Thanks for being a great man to Amy, Shannon! God bless your marriage and your family!!

Weeksie50 said...

Aw, your Shannon is an absolute sweetheart. You are very blessed! I am glad that GOD has placed him in your life...

What do you think so far? Do you love it? (twilight).

sa061545@bellsouth.net said...

Amy, that was a wonderful tribute to Shannon! We love Shannon like another son and am so proud of him too! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mom & Dad :)

Kristen said...

What a beautiful tribute to your man! I am thanking God today for the gift He gave you in Shannon!

Gwendolyn said...

You have a wonderful husband! I often think of how I would handle something like that, because while I have had several surgeries and illnesses, my husband has remained remarkably healthy. I wonder if I would be as patient and loving as my husband has been. I hope so! But alas, I am MUCH more whiney and complainy. LOL

Sondre Lyn said...

Very well put! May God bless your marriage!

Mia said...

what a testimony that the strong, attentive,willing and supportive husband is still alive and kicking in our society!!
Way to go Shannon!! You didn't realize you were representing your gender did you? : )

Whitney said...

Sometimes, I think it's good to get away for a bit to have a chance to "miss" each other. It really makes you appreciate what you have SO much more.

My Blessings From Above said...

What a wonderful tribute!!! You are very blessed, Amy!
Love,
Michele

My Blessings From Above said...

What a wonderful tribute!!! You are very blessed, Amy!
Love,
Michele

amy (metz) walker said...

I clicked over on your post from Smile It's Becky and I'm so glad I did! What a sweet post about your husband and what an incredible testimony to his character. My husband has that same servant's heart that I feel like your husband must have...and we say "My Cup Runneth Over", too!

Doran & Jody said...

Ah. Isn't it great to married to your best friend?

Dee said...

Oh my freind, this is just lovely, you really do honour your husband by praising him like this. And he really honours you by stepping up and carrying the load with such a sweet spirit.

You two are just so inspiring to see.

I hope we are as happy as you when we have been married for almost 20 years too.

Thank you for showing us all what we can aspire to.

You are vonferdul dahlink!

Dee said...

Hey Shelly, I missed you, I was wondering what had become of you.

I do not belive in coincidence under any circumstances, as random as your day seemed, there will come a time when you will look back and all the little things will make sense.

I got quite nervous when you said your were stung, I had visions of emergency rooms and shots of adreneline.

I'm glad it all tunred out ok even the ticket, one day it will all be clear.

love and blessings.

Gina said...

Awwww! That was such a sweet post Amy. You are truly blessed with an amazing man. :)

God bless,
Gina

Laura said...

God really knew what He was doing when he placed you two together, didn't He? It seems like you are perfect together. I love reading about your love story (we've noticed before how similar our tales are!) and I think your hubs is giant-sized hero!

Pleasant Living said...

Wonderful post. I have no idea what I'd do without my husband. They are a gift from the Lord!!! I'm so glad that you recognize that in Shannon.

Paula V said...

I'm in awe. This is such a wonderful tribute to Shannon and also to God who's given him strength to do this. I feel like I've just read a love novel or love note. You are so blessed and I'm very sad to be able to say that so very sincerely because my heart envies your blessing. I know God has continually forgiven me for envying the marriages and spouses of others. So, I don't just say this out of envy but rather I can see and I know what a true blessing this is. I especially know having read your testimony that things are so much different than you could have ever dreamed, hoped, or wanted. Your marriage is an amazing testimony...just amazing.
Luvya,
Paula

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You are so blessed to have such a wonderful man to call your husband!

Such a beautiful tribute to Shannon.

Jamie said...

What a great guy you have!

Smiling Shelly said...

What a beautiful tribute to the worlds second greatest husband...

Yep, he's a keeper :D

diane b said...

A great tribute to a great guy.

Tina said...

What a great guy...made just for you by God...boy, does He know what we need, or what?!?

You are a beautiful couple...keep smiling, loving and laughing...it's wonderful to see!