Stepping into my party shoes, grabbing my bag, car keys
in hand, I am a woman on a mission. I
open my eyes and my dream ends.
I clear the dishes from the table, make the beds and put
the washing on. I have plans for the day
but nothing amazing will happen. I will be happy if I don't burn my toasted
cheese sandwich. I look at Merv and
smile, just a little smile. I wonder how
many women look at their men after a long marriage and wonder who is this
person they see? It is for me. Thirty
eight years ago (is it really that long!) Merv was tall, lean, good looking and
had hair. Today he is almost as tall, well rounded and bald. I daren't look in the mirror, my reflection
is anything but pretty, my hair is shorter and a different colour, we won't
discuss the sagging skin and wrinkles!
'Life is what you make it,' is a common saying but
sometimes life itself just hands you a wildcard. Merv's father was diagnosed with Huntington's
Disease in 1994. Merv was tested shortly
afterwards as we have two children, both of them were teenagers at the time.
Merv tested HD positive. In 2010 Merv's health declined and continues to do
so. Just because I can't remember
saying, "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health," during
our marriage vows I am under the impression I did. There were witnesses! During
the rocky times in our marriage and there were many, we both knew this time
would happen. Like death you are
never prepared, you take it one day at a time. The good with the bad. Always
looking for something to smile about. Merv didn't ask for Huntington's Disease.
Would he do the same for me? I am sure he would.
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