I know beyond a doubt that God put my husband, Brian, in my life. There were other paths I could have taken and he could have taken a different one too. I thank God and am happy He gave me Brian and Brian is happy He gave him me. I’m blessed to have a pretty understanding spouse but not all spouses are understanding or have patience with the rigors of living every day with a chronically ill spouse.

I was sick when we met but I was still able to do a lot more than I am now—and I was upfront and told him on our blind date in May 2008 that I had multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and had just had cancer surgery only a month ago—and he was amazed at my honesty and glad I was so open about all this and he stuck with me. He told me how he respected me for telling him. I figured if he was going to run he may as well run after our first date!

Then eight years later in September 2016 I got the correct diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. It took Brian awhile to fully understand what was going on with me but he eventually took the time and interest to read and learn about Lyme. After my other transportation to treatment changed because of scheduling, he started taking me so he learned more from my doctor.

I’m not going to sugar coat our journey—it has been extremely rough, and it still is and it always will be. Neurological Lyme is very difficult to deal with and I think it’s harder to treat.

Lyme is brutal. Before a person utters those wedding vows, think! When one marries young you don’t necessarily think of your loved one getting sick. Think of how that person you’re marrying might not be the same person you married in months or years ahead. It is imperative to truly think of your future spouse taking ill with a chronic illness, cancer, or even paralyzed from an accident. No one is immune. Do you love this person enough to take care of him or her like the vows state...’in sickness and in health’? Are you willing to take care of the person you cherish deeply no matter what might come your way? Do the laundry, cook the meals, clean the house, work extra hours to pay the bills, or getting a second job...are you willing? Think and think hard. Unbeknownst to me at the time, neurological Lyme ruined a previous marriage so I know what I’m talking about.