Jerrid

Many of you have been asking me how Jerrid is holding up, so I thought I'd take some time to fill you in on how I think he is doing. At some point, he may take some time to tell you himself.

Many of you probably don't know that Jerrid lost his mother to cancer almost 5 years ago. So as you you can imagine, this can't be easy as he has been having to re-live a lot of things. With that said though, he has been my rock through this all, as he knows all the right questions to ask and understands everything the doctors tell us. Along with being my rock and husband, he's been my best friend, an awesome father (and mother at times) to Brayden and Mogi, my nurse, a shoulder to cry on, and always there to make me laugh. We have always thought we made a good team whether it be because he always eats what I won't, he cooks and I clean up the kitchen, or I fold the laundry and he puts it away. He told me the other day that he has gotten strength and courage from me, which is funny because I thought I was getting strength and courage from him...so I guess once again we are making a good team and giving each other strength and courage. Either way, I can't think of a better team member to go going through all of this with.

Let's not forget about the rest of our team though: ALL of you...our family and friends. I love getting the mail everyday, as there are always cards with uplifting and kind words. Our freezer, fridge, and stomachs for that matter, never go empty with all the food people are bringing us. I think my mother has already put 1,000 miles on her car in the last week driving back and forth multiple times, any time we need her. She not only has brought food and supplies, but done laundry and cleaned my house better than I have since I've lived here. She has been there any time of the day and supported us through multiple doctor's visits, because sometimes we just don't feel as if we can do it, just the two of us. We'll never be able to thank her enough for all she's done, but I only hope I will be able to re-pay her later in life...I'll definitely splurge for a top-notch nursing home! :) The morning before my cone biopsy procedure, ironically my sister (in Minnesota) and I were both watching CMT and this music video came on, and I thought I'd share it with all of you. You all are loving me through all of this and it will get me through all that is ahead of me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ&ob=av2e

Ok...now back to who this blog was supposed to be about! :) I would say Jerrid is overwhelmed, but he's hiding it well. Through all that he has been doing for myself and Brayden he has had to miss a lot of work and cross country which has been hard. But at the same time, when he is at work and/or cross country, then it's hard for him to be away from us. He wants to do it all, but that just isn't possible. Luckily, there are great people to fill in for him in his absence. Papio South has been very supportive through all of this, and he has a great sub when he is gone. Coach Stenger and the cross country boys have been very supportive and understanding through all of this also. So, thank you to all of you for making this easier on him. As for when he can not be with me, people are fighting over who gets to spend that time with me...which isn't a surprise! :) No, but really...there have been multiple people offering to come over whenever we need someone. Lastly, Jerrid's family has been his rock. They are always calling, writing, texting, visiting, and helping in any way that they can. As for me, I couldn't ask for better in-laws!

While Jerrid is home with me he's constantly tending to my every need. He has a timer set to go off every four hours so I make sure to get my meds on time (even in the middle of the night.) He's always making sure my water bottle is full, that my temperature is normal, and that my incision is healing correctly. He's forcing me to eat, putting the heating pad on my bruises, and icing my blisters (come to find out I'm allergic to steri strips.) This all seems like enough to keep him busy, but beyond this he is playing with Brayden, tending to his every need and trying to keep things as normal as possible for him, while trying to keep up with things around the house the best he can. Last night while I laid on the couch, my 2 boys were downstairs playing. I turned off the TV and listened to them play, laugh, and talk for over an hour. It was the sweetest thing ever and made me so thankful for Jerrid...not only for all he has done for me, but especially all he has done for Brayden. Those of you that know Jerrid, know that he has always loved Superman. Well he has shown me over the last week that he is Superman; he does it all with a smile and doesn't stop. I'm sure he's exhausted and overwhelmed, but you would never know it. Blake Shelton has a song out called, God Gave Me You, and the lyrics truly express how thankful I am for Jerrid. Many of you have said you are inspired by my outlook and strength, well I wouldn't be the way I am if it wasn't for Jerrid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCf2PoTuh4Q&ob=av2n