DEVOTION

Long time, no hear from, eh?

If I had anybody checking this out, I've probably lost them. Oh well. Things have been particularly hectic and trying for me lately, so please forgive my absence.

Have any of you ever seen Divorce Court? Pretty entertaining, huh? My wife and I like to catch it now and then so we can be reminded of how blessed we are. It's amazing how little devotion spouses have to one another.

"He keeps snoring all loud in my ear, your honor! I can't take it anymore!"

"She kept putting my fork on the right side of the plate, and she knows I like it on the left! There's only so much a man can take!"

I've been married for almost five years. Our first few years were rough. It was touch and go. If she hadn't finally started putting my fork on the left, I don't know what might've happened! (Just kidding!) My wife and I took our vows seriously. We figured out that a successful marriage is about compromise, a willingness to forgive and/or overlook perceived transgressions, and being able to put our egos aside and not treat our marriage as a win/lose competition, among other things.

We've got children. Besides our love for each other, we've got them to consider. They don't deserve to go through the hell that divorce usually means for the innocents caught in the middle.

I used to wonder, early in our marriage, what it would take for me to feel justified in leaving my wife. It was a very short list. There was infidelity, on her part (maybe, depending on degree and frequency); attempted murder, on her part (the attempt being on me); and repeated and severe mistreatment of our kids on her part.

One scenario that I don't remember ever envisioning was the possibility of serious, potentially life-threatening illness. How many spouses would be willing to allow their lives to be drastically altered? How many would be willing to nurse one's spouse through weeks, months or years of uncertainty, not knowing if they will live, and if so, if they will ever be the same?

You probably think that I am prompted to write this article by the Terri Schiavo case. You'd be wrong. I am inspired by a case much closer to home, so to speak. A friend whom I have known for the majority of my life is going through a similar situation. However, his response is much different from that of Mrs. Schiavo's husband.

The ongoing story of he and his wife and children is an inspiring one for me. I would hope that it would be for you as well.

I will not attempt to tell it myself. I am including a link to a story of love, courage and devotion. Do yourselves a favor and read it.

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/chicago413