Revisited: Jace-isms (4-8-07)

Jace-isms:  Volume 5

 

1.     As a mother to three little boys (and more), I've learned to use positive comments and positive reinforcement to manipulate the boys into good behavior.  If I compliment one, the others quickly conform to receive the same accolades.  On the same note, if I reprimand one child, Jace will quickly remind me that he is not engaging in the reprimanded behavior.  The other day, I was fussing at my oldest son whereby I told him "…I'm not jackin' around with you, boy!"  Jace quickly raised his hand in the air and shouted (while waving his hand like Horseshack), "I'm not jackin' around, Mommy!"  All I could do was laugh.  He certainly lightened the mood.

2.     Jace is my singer and he loves to sing his Barney songs or certain favorite songs on the radio.  Usually the songs don't really match a nearly four-year-old's life situation, so it's even more comical to hear him sing lovin' and cheatin' songs.  When he sings, Jace often over-emphasizes the wrong words, which makes his sister and me snicker at him.  We try not to let him know we are paying attention or laughing because then he'll stop.  But, we were busted laughing the other day, and he very indignantly asked, "What you laughin'?"  Man, we've really got to work on his grammar.

3.     In "little boy land" in my house, saying "AAAaaacccckkk!" to each other is an incredible insult that will leave the recipient very upset and often in tears.  Regularly, we hear them complain, "Bubba 'aacck' me!"  It's time-consuming to nurse the broken hearts this hurled insult causes.  In our van, Jace sits in the middle row, and the twins sit on opposite sides of the back.  Jace thought he heard one twin hurl an insult like "shhh" or "aacck" at him, and he screamed back, "AAaacck!"  Realizing he could not see the target of his heinous insult, he said, "Baby, tell Bubba 'aaaccckkk'!"  I guess it's the equivalent of me asking you to tell someone else to "F-off".

4.     Jace was eating a piece of candy (I think) when he exclaimed, "I got a BIG one!"  Bragger!

 

5.  Jace cannot tell his identical twin baby brothers apart (nor can we without effort), so he often resorts to calling them by what they are wearing.  "Nemo, come here!"  or "Mooooommmmyyyyy, the red one hit me!".   The other day, one baby had on stripes and the other had on plaid.  Jace said, "Come on squares, let's go outside!"  Squares knew who he was talking to and promptly followed the leader out the door.

 

Jace will be four next month.  Four is my favorite age, so I can't wait to see how he forces this blog to grow.  Stay tuned.

 

Rhonda
(Jace is now almost 10)

4th Grade Austin Field Trip

 

4^th Grade Austin Field Trip

When I was a kid, periodically, parents would attend the field trips with their kids.  My mom was so pretty and I loved showing her off (I wanted my peers to know this ugly duckling had potential!), so I always wished she would go. But, life gets in the way and she was never able.  

Since I have a flexible schedule, I try to attend any and all field trips with my kids whenever possible.  I couldn’t attend a lot of Courtney’s because I had “baby Kyle”, but I did go to some. Unfortunately for Kyle, I wasn’t able to go to most of his elementary field trips because I had babies who were not allowed to attend.  We didn’t have day care; my husband and I alternated schedules to keep our babies in our primary care. It worked, but there were sacrifices that had to be made to make it work.    (Sorry, Kyle!  I promise I love you just as much!)

There are no younger babies, so I’m able to go, now, to most of Jace and the twins’ field trips.  And, now, I’m semi-required (as well, I choose) to go to manage my boys’ diabetes.  By law, the school has to provide someone who can manage their diabetes so they aren’t discriminated against.  I don’t think it’s fair to request the school nurse go which would take her away from the entire student body.  (Heck, maybe she’d like to go and get a day off! Who knows?) I don’t feel comfortable having a “designated person” to manage them who really doesn’t know them, their routine, or the intricacies of their care.  I digress.  Anyways, I’ve made every effort to attend with my boys because I like the time with them, I hope they cherish the memories that THEIR Mommy went to field trips, and I really am the best diabetes care-giver for them.  I know them best.  I am their pancreases.

I was selected to go to the fourth grade field trip to Austin.  From 0630 to 8pm, I belonged to Jace, the elementary school, and the fourth grade.  I have to be very conscientious to not let Diabetes dictate my life and take away from the non-diabetic kids. I made alternate emergency arrangements for my diabetic twins, and Daddy would be home when they got home from school.

But, here’s what a T1D Mom goes through.  My boys have a great age-appropriate understanding of their disease.  We have a fabulous REGISTERED NURSE school nurse who really cares about my boys.  My husband is fantastic with them.  But, as we got further away from Burleson, my anxiety level increased.  On any given day, I’m within a few minutes from the school, a cell phone call away, to respond to any type of emergency or any of their needs.  WHAT if my babies needed me?  WHAT if there was an emergency?  It’s not happened yet, but Murphy’s Law would demand it happen on the day I’m hundreds of miles away with no means to hurry back if needed. I felt vulnerable and out of control.  I tried and tried, but I couldn’t fight it off.  Big giant crocodile tears just started falling.  Drop.  Drop.  Drop.  I texted my husband just to vent how I was feeling.  He was reassuring, of course, but the tears continued to fall. 

I felt like a crazy woman.  I didn’t want Jace to see me crying.  This was HIS Mommy-time.  I didn’t want any of the other adults to see my tears.  I had to dab my eyes, take a deep breath, and pray.  This is my life now.  Too afraid to venture too far unless I know they are in caring and capable hands.  Scared to death something will happen to them.  Frightened they will need their Mommy and she won’t be accessible.   I didn’t exhale until my husband told me he was home.  Then, I knew it was all ok.

The trip was well-organized, well-planned, and Mrs. Boyd and I had 5 cool kids in our Group FIVE.  It was cool to see things I hadn’t seen before (or don’t remember seeing) and helping the kids learn.

The day was llllooooonnnngggggg.  As I’ve seen on many field trips, most of the kids are alright, but occasionally someone has to act out.  This time, MY kid.  Yep! JUST what I needed as I was just recovering from my heavy heart. 

I love my son.  He’s such a cool music-loving kid. He’s highly intelligent, and loves video games and computers.  He is painfully shy.  But, he’s wicked stubborn and can be temperamental. He has ADHD and is fantastic when his meds are active.  When they wear off, the over-talkativeness, impulsiveness, attitude returns.  So, the day was getting long, everyone was getting tired, and we were hurrying through the remaining TX History Museum exhibits so they at least got to glimpse each display. The kids were answering questions in a booklet, and we were helping them find (and spell) the answers. Jace was getting tired and distracted. At one point, he mouthed off and his little classmate even said, “Jace, don’t disrespect your mother!”  I was handling it and keeping my cool well.

Well, Mr. My-ADHD Meds-Have-Worn-Off decided I was clearly moving too quickly and not repeating myself enough times when I helped spell simple words like CLAM and TREE TRUNK (words he clearly knows how to spell, but he wanted to be contrary).  Since I’m Mommy, he can push and test (I hope and pray he would not have done this to someone else if I wasn’t present!). So, he pulled “A Jace”.  Arms folded.  Foot stomped.  Refusing to do what was asked of him. 

Back up a bit, at parent-teacher conference a couple of months ago, his teachers and I described two very different boys.  For them, he’s kind, quiet, obedient.  He keeps to himself.  He’s like Jerry and me where we don’t let others in easily, but if we know you, we’ll talk your head off.  So, he’s comfortable and loved at home, and he’s a screaming ninny.  I’m very glad he’s good at school, but I wish he’d carry that to home every day, too! Now, back to the story. 

I was terribly embarrassed and became quickly frustrated.  His teacher took over for a few minutes while I used the restroom.  I told her, “THIS is what I’m talking about!  You get to see the real Jace!” Probably not my finest moment, but I was frustrated. We got on the bus where the attitude continued.  I HAD to find a solution to this problem or it was going to be a LONG ride back home!

I told him his behavior was embarrassing to both of us and inappropriate.  There were other and better ways from him to handle his frustration; I could’ve reviewed the answers with him on the bus.  (Our pace didn’t seem to be bothering the other children at all).  Regardless, I pulled out the Kindle Fire.  I plugged in the headphones.  I started playing some Bon Jovi.  I gave him an earbud.  Within a minute or two, you could feel the tension diminishing.  You could see him relax and change his attitude. We were BOTH getting a little dope for our souls.  It's what we both needed. At that moment, I KNEW this was MY son!  A little Bon Jovi makes it all better!

Overall, it was a good trip…once I got passed the aching, worrying heart and the late-day attitude.  I’m going to make Jerry go with me when the twins reach 4^th grade.

Rhonda

GNO

Girls’ Night

Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but I think it’s sort of uncommon to keep a special bond with friends you’ve known and been friends with in high school.  Even though social media helps this these days, I still think too many people move on, grow apart, etc.

I’ve been so blessed to have a select group of women in my “circle of friends” since we were in high school.  (I’ve got a couple I’ve known longer than that, too!)  We’ve grown together.  High school graduation.  College.  Marriages.  Births.  Divorces.  And, here we are, still together….getting older. Some people come, some go…but the core group is intact.  These girls have supported me when someone I truly loved betrayed and hurt me deeply.  They were there to pick me up when my boys were diagnosed.  They nurture me through the hard times, and they celebrate the good times with me.

You see, I’m not one of those people who allow someone into my inner circle very easily.  I’m friendly and professional, but to be really be “inside”…doesn’t happen easily.  And, once I let you in, you’re in.  It means you’ll be stickin’ around in my life for awhile (like it or not!). 

Since my daughter married and moved out, I live with all males.  The only other source of estrogen is a worthless fat dog with a thyroid disorder.  Sweet, but worthless. My husband is wonderful; he truly is (along with my mom) my VERY best friend.  However, I crave female conversation, entertainment, camaraderie.  I get plenty of it when I go to work, but it’s not the same as “my girls”!

Besides spending more time with my gorgeous man and my great family, one of my motivations to change my work schedule was to also be able to spend more time with “the girls”.  I need it.  It’s important.  We finally got around to arranging a Girls Night Out (GNO) on Saturday night to celebrate Deanna’s birthday a bit early.

We met for dinner, where Deanna and Brandi were late…as usual J  No problem, there was a decent wait for our table of 10, so it gave us more time to cluck like hens.  We had a great dinner, and then headed out to Studio Eighty, which is an 80s-themed night club.  Julie surmised this was a “college bar”, but she was wrong. It was so cool to hang out with like-minded, similarly-aged (read, OLD) folks who were just out to have a good time.  It was great to be there and not be stared out like, “Someone’s MOM is here!”  People-watching is fantastic, and Deanna is ALWAYS good for multiple laughs!  I had to run to the potty so as not to have an accident once. Next time, Depends for sure!  We got a kick out of “landmark”.  (“Turn right by the fat guy to get to the bathrooms). We got a kick out of the serious “sweat towel” kicking black dancer, too!

But, here’s the most important piece.  As is appropriate and welcome, my friends asked about my boys and their diabetes while we were at dinner.  I updated them on their care, their progress, and how it’s been taking an especially hard toll on me emotionally in the last couple of weeks.  They listen, sympathize, and in the meantime, they get a little more enlightened and educated about Type One Diabetes.

After dinner, as I said, we went to the club.  We were there almost 4 hours.  And, guess what?  For FOUR HOURS, I did not think about Diabetes.  I was relaxed to know that my boys were in the very loving, caring, and capable hands of my mother-in-law, and my husband was at home to respond if there was an emergency.  I did not think about blood sugars. Insulin.  Carbohydrates. Endocrinology appointments. Hemoglobin A1C. Basal testing.  Adjusting rates.  Complications. Lifetime medical condition. The unfairness of it all. Nothing. 

Instead, I laughed.  I talked. I exhaled. For those few hours, I laid down my title of “Artificial Pancreas” and I was just “Rhonda.”

So, today, my batteries are recharged.  I’m giggling at the pictures.  Snorting laughing as I tell my stories to my husband. 

Ladies, words cannot express how important you are in my life.  I love your company, your spirits, and your kind words of encouragement.  Now, we need to do this more often so I don’t pull my hair out!  I love you.

Rhonda

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi

Ok, anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Bon Jovi.  It’s definitely not a secret, nor is it a surprise.  To me, it’s important I write this blog to lay the framework for future blogs, and to pay homage to the greatness of my “Jersey boys”.

I was a child of the 80’s.  Big hair, parachute pants, Big Hair Bands.  After growing up listening to Country Music and Elvis, I ventured out and found my own likes as a pre-teen and teenager.  Tears for Fears, Skid Row, Europe, Motley Crue, etc. When I was 13, I feel in love with Bon Jovi.  (I still loved my country music, too.  George, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks.  Great stuff). One would have to be blind to not see that Jon Bon Jovi is a beautiful man. But frankly, it really is more than that to me.

 

The first concert I ever attended was Bon Jovi in July of 1988 or 1989 with my best friend, Chris.  We were way up in the lawn, but it was so much fun!  (Later that summer, I attended Guns N’ Roses with INXS, too).  I’ve since been to many concerts.  I listen to plenty of music.  Bon Jovi remains my favorite.

To me, again, Jon is a gorgeous man.  Very nice eye candy.  But, the music is more to me.  You can love ‘em or hate ‘em, I don’t care.  I just know what it does for me.  Too often when people hear “Bon Jovi”, they instantly think of their largest hits.  Livin’ on a Prayer.  You Give Love a Bad Name.  Bad Medicine.  With that association comes the misconception of this has-been hair band.  Not true.

 

Frankly, those songs are my least favorites.  Bon Jovi still writes.  They still record.  They still put out relevant music that is underappreciated and isn’t played in favor of over-produced bubble gum poppy bullshit like Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga.  Garbage.

Jon has an amazing voice.  Richie is a phenomenal singer.  Together, their harmony literally sends chills through my bones.  Some of the “album cut” songs are simply spectacular.  Relatable.  Emotional.  Real.  I love nothing more than stripping Jon and Richie (or any great artist, like Bryan Adams) to just a guitar and a voice.  THOSE are my favorites.  That’s when they shine.  “There’s no dancers, there’s no diamonds, no this boy don’t lip sync.”  That’s when you see the true talent and artistry of these men.

 

Now, back on topic.  Bon Jovi’s music is dope for my soul.  Literally.  When I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m stressed, I can listen to their music and then I’m Zen.  Instant relaxation, chill pill.  I was having a very hard day the other day and was on the brink of tears.  What kept me from crying in the middle of Wal-Mart?  Bon Jovi.  I could shift my mind back to the music and forget for awhile.  Bon Jovi helps me cope with the stresses of life, in a healthy way.  I feel calm, energized, alive, even.  Certain songs take me to another time and place.  His voice in certain songs can bring tears to my eyes; I feel ice in my veins.  It’s powerful.   And, hearing my babies sing along is pure joy!

 

With all that being said, Bon Jovi absolutely puts on a phenomenal concert.  Great. Shows.  So, I’ll spend the money to be entertained well, to see my “dope” live, and to be in the same room with Jon.  Nobody is perfect; we all have our faults, our flaws, our humanity.  Despite his rock-star life, Jon has done a very good job of maintaining his integrity.  He’s been married to his high school sweetheart for almost 30 years. They have 4 children together. He’s built his band and his business himself.  He’s kept a rock band together, happy, and producing for 30 years.  It’s really an abhorration in that business.  He’s great. He is and his band is something I’m proud to say is my favorite, and I’m proud to share with the next generation.  I am proud that my kids request certain songs for me to play.  I am proud they listen to stuff other than the crap on the radios today.  Bryan Adams, AC/DC, Maroon 5, Vince Gill, Van Halen….and Bon Jovi.

So, tease away.  I don’t care.  I know what impact Bon Jovi has on my life.  It’s a release.  An outlet.  Dope for my soul.  I hope you have some healthy “dope” for your soul, too.  And, one day…one day, I’ll get to meet Jon and tell him what his work has done for my life.  ….  If I don’t clam up.

Rhonda

Type One Vs. Type Two Diabetes

Type One Vs. Type Two Diabetes

My father-in-law and both of my twin sons have Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes.  My FIL was diagnosed at age 10; he’s almost 60 now.  My sons were diagnosed last year, 5 months apart, at the age of 7.

Type One Diabetes

An autoimmune disease is: An illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex organization within the body that is designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, including infectious agents. Patients with autoimmune diseases frequently have unusual antibodies circulating in their blood that target their own body tissues.  (medterms.com)  Autoimmune Diseases include such things as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Celiac Disease, Psoriasis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune disease.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and-at present-nothing you can do to get rid of it.  (JDRF.org)

Most people who develop type 1 are otherwise healthy. Type 1 Diabetes is a genetically-linked, hereditary autoimmune disorder that results in the body mistaking the pancreas as foreign and responding by attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta islet cells of the pancreas. Simply stated, autoimmune disorders are an "allergy to self.” (wikipedia.org)

There are three antibodies that can attack the pancreas cells and cause Type 1 Diabetes.  They are Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD), Islet Cell Antibodies (ICA) and Radioimmunoassay & insulin antibodies (RIA).  Most children or young adults who develop this disease have 1 or 2 of these antibodies.  My little tigers have all three conducting a triple assault on their pancreatic beta cells.  Currently, the only treatment available to maintain life is to replace their body’s insulin via injections.  Without it, they will die. With research and experiences, insulin and treatments are improving.  Work is being done on artificial pancreases, islet cell transfers, and pancreatic cell transplants, but there is still a long way to go in finding a cure.

Type 2 Diabetes

T2D is one of the two major types of diabetes, the type in which the beta cells of the pancreas produce insulin but the body is unable to use it effectively because the cells of the body are resistant to the action of insulin. Although this type of diabetes may not carry the same risk of death from ketoacidosis, it otherwise involves many of the same risks of complications as does type 1 diabetes (in which there is a lack of insulin).

The aim of treatment is to normalize the blood glucose in an attempt to prevent or minimize complications. People with type 2 diabetes may experience marked hyperglycemia, but most do not require insulin injections. In fact, 80% of all people with type 2 diabetes can be treated with diet, exercise, and, if need be, oral hypoglycemic agents (drugs taken by mouth to lower the blood sugar).

Type 2 diabetes requires good dietary control including the restriction of calories, lowered consumption of simple carbohydrates and fat with increased consumption of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Regular aerobic exercise is also an important method for treating both type 2 diabetes since it decreases insulin resistance and helps burn excessive glucose. Regular exercise also may help lower blood lipids and reduce some effects of stress, both important factors in treating diabetes and preventing complications.

Type 2 diabetes is also known as insulin-resistant diabetes, non-insulin dependent diabetes, and adult-onset diabetes. (medterms.com)

Type 2 diabetes can have a hereditary link and it can also be closely linked to lifestyle.  A pancreas is only designed to care for a certain sized body, and when you tax its limits, it cannot keep up.  Here’s my little analogy.  You pancreas is the car’s engine, gasoline is the carbs and insulin. I equate this to overloading a trailer and trying to drag it behind your car.  Your car CAN go, but very inefficiently.  If you remove the load, then the car can again function normally.  If you drag that load too long and don’t maintain the car, it can and will be permanently damaged.  My boys engine died, so it doesn’t matter what we do, it won’t start again.

Treatments and alleged cures

There are a lot of books out there about diabetes cures and treatments.  Most of these refer to Type 2 Diabetes and will NOT help my sons.  Trust me, if it would, I would’ve tried it already….multiple times.  If cinnamon would help, I would’ve already made them eat spoonfuls of it.  If honey would help, I would’ve injected it into their veins already.  (Instead, they need lots of insulin to cover the carbs in honey!)  If an alkaline diet would help, I would’ve already given them an Alka-Seltzer enema.  (Not sure that would cover it, but it sounds good!)  And, if the leaves of some exotic plant would cure them, then they’d drink the tea daily.  Unfortunately for them, none of that will take away the attack on their tiny pancreases.  I wish it would.

I guess that ends my little science/medical lesson.  With that background information out of the way, we’ll carry on.  Please support or continue to support JDRF in finding better treatments and a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.  Please support stem cell research.  Please be an organ donor.

Rhonda

Repost: I Married an Imbecile

Originally posted:  2/28/08 (not much has changed on this front)

This one should be short and sweet.

We're having some contractors give us bids to redo the floors in our homes.  Five years and kids, dogs and cats have made our nice home into something rivaling the qualities of a cardboard box under a bridge, but I digress.  Yesterday, a contractor was to arrive at 5:30 pm.

My husband got home around 5:10, and I was on the phone. Clearly from my conversation and the timing, he could tell I was on the phone giving this contractor directions to our home.  So, to aid in my efforts, he cuts a big loud long juicy fart.  I turned my back to him, trying not to laugh, but it overcame me! In the middle of directions (and just after the guy had asked me a question), I could refrain no longer and I busted out laughing.  Then, I told him "You're so stupid!" as I laughed.  They contractor just got silent!  Quickly I had to clarify.  "I'm sorry, sir.  I wasn't talking to you.  I was talking to my retarded husband!"  I couldn't help but to continue intermittently giggling at the imbecile as I tried to complete the directions.

Still, in the midst of giving directions, he backs his ass up to me and farted again! He thought it was funny to make me laugh (and call him names) when I was trying to complete a conversation and be serious! Of course, it worked.  I laughed again and called him retarded.  The contractor said, "I'll be there in 20 minutes.  I hope he has it all out of his system by then!"  Oh, boy we laughed!

When the contractor arrived, he asked my husband if he was better.

Then, last night, watching American Idol, one of the contestants had clearly had hair extensions placed for her performance.  So, I remarked, "those are definitely extensions", to which my husband replied, "Some horses are missing their hair all off up in here!"  (Quoting Friday).  Made me bust out laughing again!  I really couldn't hear how well she did because all I could imagine was some poor horse waking up, looking at his/her tail, and thinking, "WTF?  Where'd my tail go?"

It took some time to fall asleep because I kept giggling about the contractor farts and the bald horse.  Oh, sweet amusement!

Rhonda

Repost : 6th Anniversary

Original Post:  10/6/06  (Now married 12 years, and yep, the feeling is pretty much the same, if not even stronger)

 

Today I celebrate my sixth anniversary with my husband, and I'm feeling a little sentimental.  So, bear with me through the sappiness.

 

Jerry and I met in 1999 just prior to both of us becoming divorced.  In hindsight, we probably began a relationship before either of us was really ready, but at the same time, we came into each other's lives at the perfect time.  Since we were coming out of bad relationships, we each carried our own baggage that had to be worked through.  (Since I don't have all day and that's not what this is about, I'm not going to address those woes here).  Regardless of the amount of suitcases we were carrying, Jerry and I had a special connection.  We each felt like we had finally found what we'd been missing all along. 

 

It wasn't long before we moved in together.  After that, we went through a spell where, I say, Jerry was being a jerk!  I know he had to unpack some of that baggage.  As my mind was starting to wrap around leaving him, he straightened up.  He figured out what he wanted and proposed.  We were married about 6 weeks after he proposed, about 16 months after we first met.

 

Our marriage was immediately met by challenges with both of us starting back to school and Jerry's company closing.  On top of idiotic people we are forced to deal with, this led to more conflict.  At certain points, I didn't know if we were going to make it.  We were either going to kill each other or separate.  It was rough.  Although I wish we'd never had to go through that, I must say it taught us both a lot about each other and made us stronger individually and as a couple.

 

We learned exactly what buttons to push on each other.  We learned personal and relationship boundaries.  We learned how to not treat each other like we did our former spouses.  I guess our saving grace was that we had such a strong love that carried us through all that.  On top of that, we had an intense physical passion for each other.  I think I can speak for Jerry, too, when I say this, but I also had an intense stubbornness which caused me to refuse to fail again!

 

After about 18 months, everything started turning around.   Now, every day gets better.  Even though we have our fair share of stressors (again, I don't have all day to name those), we approach our lives as teammates.  We complement each other.  When I'm having a bad day, he takes over (and vice versa).  When I need my "girl time", he's right there to let me have it.  When I need to be held, his arms are wide open.  I'm not living in a fantasy world and saying he never makes me angry or I never get on his nerves, but our relationship is pretty darned good!  One of my questions for God is going to be why he didn't send Jerry into my life sooner.

 

Here comes the sappiness…..Now, I couldn't imagine my life without Jerry.  He is definitely the one person God made for me.  Whereas I didn't have these thoughts before, I imagine myself with him until death do us part.  On top of loving my children, he's given me three beautiful boys of our own.  Jerry and I connect on almost every level, and I have a deep and profound love and respect for him.  He is my world, my everything.

 

I guess I'd better dry my tears or he's going to call and ask why I'm crying.  I'll close by saying….Jerry, I love you.  I'm glad every day that I'm married to you.  I'm thankful you are in my life.  Happy Anniversary!

 

Rhonda