personal sacrifices for your partner?

[specialmom]

Do you feel like you have had to make personal sacrifices for your relationship/ partner and has this been reciprocated?  

[Barb135]

My husband has had a lot of health issues this year, beginning with a urinary infection in February, that turned out to be bladder cancer.  That was removed and he was sent home with a catheter that he had tons of trouble with and for weeks, we spent our days (and some nights) going back and forth to the doctor's office (or ER) to deal with that.  During that time, it was also determined that he had intestinal issues and ended up having a 7 hour colon surgery, that required a week in the hospital and a couple months recovery at home.

During that time, our 14 yr old dog was diagnosed with lymphoma and we had to let her go - some of you might remember that.  Of course, that was mine to deal with, as well and like Sarah, I was the gardener, taxi, and jack of all trades.

He's had some problems with forgetting things, for some time and recently had a mini stroke, so that didn't help matters.    He now has another tumor in his bladder, that is scheduled to be checked next month.

We've been married for 50 yrs, and over that time, we've done a lot of things for each other, so we probably come out even.  We just do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, so I don't know if that's called sacrifice or just marriage.

[specialmom]

Sacrifice.  Hats off to you.  That's a lot!

[Barb135]

Here's another one... I went to bed last night and my husband had a nose bleed, so he said he'd stay up until it stopped bleeding... He woke me up at 2:00 am and said it wouldn't stop, so I crawled out of bed, got dressed and we headed off to spend the rest of the night in the ER.  

We got home at 5:45 am and I had just enough time to get showered, dry my hair, go get an antibiotic script filled for him and make my physical therapy appointment...  

It's been a long day and I'm tired, but tomorrow is a new day...

[dominosarah]

He stood by me during some pretty awful things. My drug abuse was not easy on him.  When he got sick i did what i had to do becuz i loved him just as he did what he had to do when i was sick.  He treats me like a queen and at the same time is my harshest critic when i get nuts!  We live a very simple life that is filled with laughter.  We arent the sappy type by any means.  He drives me nuts and i let him know.  I am sure i never do that to him!!  lol

[dominosarah]

Mine is completely different than both of yours.  We were always busy doing something whether it be motorcycling, concerts etc.  My husband got sick a few years ago with Lyme Disease and our world came to a crashing halt.  I became the bread winner, the care giver, the gardener, the  plumber, the taxi.  All he could do was lay on the couch or in bed.  When we went to the doctor i had to do the talking as he would forget or the words just couldnt come out.  I remember sitting on the couch at night with our 2 dogs crying.  I didnt know how i was going to make it on my own.  We were sure he was going to die.  Did he reciprocate?  Yes, he got better.  Did i get angry at times?  Yep but the bottom line is thru all of those health problems he had our relationship hit a new level of love and respect.

[specialmom]

wow, thanks for sharing DS.  That's an amazing story, really.  That's a lot to take under----  being the caregiver, house keeper, grounds keeper, emotional support giver and bread winner---  all!  Lots of women would crumble and you didn't.  Hats off to you.  I'm so glad he is better!  

My things weren't serious sacrifices.  Yours are real and very admirable.  

[specialmom]

I'm probably on the opposite end ZonnyC.  My husband would love to move internationally and has had offers with his company.  I have nixed it.  I moved all over when growing up (just in my own country) and I wanted my kids to have roots that I never felt I had.  So, he probably sacrificed some job ambition to appease me.  And I have personally sacrificed countless hours of my time pretending I am enjoying watching baseball, football and basketball with him.  LOL  Okay, I'll think about it. I'll come up with something better than that!

[ZonnyC]

Moving to another country for a partner is a HUGE sacrifice.  Would I do it again?  Probably not.  Does he make my life as comfortable as possible here?  Yes!  I feel this is the BIGGEST sacrifice that I've ever made for man in my entire life.  

[specialmom]

Well, ya.  That's huge.  Moving to another country, leaving behind your family and roots . . . that's a biggie!

[ZonnyC]

I am a military kid or was a military kid (father was an officer in the Marine Corps), so I've lived all over the world.  The novelty has worn off.  I suppose if one has never lived in another country it would be exciting.  Visiting and living in another country aren't the same.

[specialmom]

My husband is from a small town in Midwest United States.  To him, it sounds exciting.  Now . . .  I do believe in an extended stay somewhere to really live the experience.  Two months in Italy?  Two months in Spain?  Two months at a lake cottage or beach?  THAT sounds good.  :>)