To the One I Can Always Count On
The one person who has been part of my life for the past 12 years is my husband. The story goes like this…he was a small-town boy and I was a small-town girl. We met at a small-town church.
We knew each other way before we started officially dating. He always had an eye for me, but I wasn’t quite so sure that I was interested at the time.
Although, I quickly found out after I gave him a chance that he was the kindest person. He would do anything for anyone. He was quiet and gentle. He treated me like a precious jewel.
We fell in love and got married shortly afterwards. A few years into marriage, we decided it was time to grow our family.
It wasn’t until we experienced those first three years of confusion and heartache, that I realized what a lifelong partner I had in my husband.
You often do not understand what marriage is all about until you go through the hard times. Everyone has a different kind of hard. Things such as illness, loss of jobs, finances, and children can cause rifts very easily.
Our hard was a newly diagnosed special needs child who just happened to be our first child.
Did you know that having a special needs child has been a leading reason for divorce or separation these days?
According to the Washington Post, Marshak says, “There have been studies that show a higher divorce rate among couples who have a child with special needs.”
There have been probably more difficult than easy days in our marriage since we have had kids.
Now, we have 3 children…two of them are special needs.
My husband has gone against all odds. He has never once walked away from our marriage.
Instead, he has leaned in and showed me what true love looks like.
It looks like picking your spouse up when they are hurting, giving them a shoulder to cry on, and letting them take a break.
He has been there for me in thick and thin. He has been there for our special needs children as a loving and patient father.
We live, breathe, and advocate for our children daily.
He is my partner.
We do this thing called “life” together.
I do not know if I could have gone through the last 6 years without him.
I am a better wife and Mom because of the love and patience that he has shown me.
I am so grateful that God has brought him to me.
Written by, Mandi Geiman
My name is Mandi Geiman. I am a mom to 3 beautiful girls. Two of them have a rare genetic syndrome. As a mom, teacher, and blogger….my goal is to advocate for the special needs community and educate others to help create a more inclusive world. You can follow us on Facebook Pitt-fully Strong: A Sister Journey or on Instagram pittfullystrong.
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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.
