We all like people who are “real.”  We like honest.  We like to know that others have hardships too.  Not that we are rejoicing that someone else is struggling, but it brings comfort to us to know that we aren’t the only ones who have had a hard day, that we aren’t alone in knowing that life isn’t always a bed of roses.

My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary this past June. That means I have been wearing my wedding band and engagement ring for 15 years (well, the engagement ring a few months longer ). Can I tell you something? I love my wedding rings. They are probably my favorite material possession. I rarely take them off - usually only when I am headed for a stay at the hospital.

If I am sitting down doing nothing, you will often catch me staring at them. I like to see how the the diamond sparkles and the gold shines.

I love them not only because they are pretty, but because of what they represent.

“…when tragedy, illness, disease, cancer, infertility, or the possibility of death come knocking at our door, we cling to the truth that “nothing is too hard for the Lord.” We run to verses about faith, hope, trust, and how God works everything together for good. We get on our knees, pouring our hearts out to the Lord, telling Him our fears. We beg Him for deliverance. We believe with everything in us that God has heard our prayers and eagerly wait with bated breath for our miracle to come.”

When my oldest daughter was about 4 years old, she suddenly became terrified of the bath. Actually, terrified seems too light of a word.  We weren’t sure what brought it on, but one night, as we were going through our normal routine, she completely freaked out - screaming and climbing out of the tub.  

I have never thought of myself as having “chronic health issues,” but I suppose I would fall into that category. Pain is and always has been a part of my life. I have tried to not let it “define” me - although what I have been through has definitely greatly impacted the person that I am and the way I look at life.

It all started when I was just one year old…