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In Sickness and in Health






I know I’m not the only retired woman out there that entertains a nightmare memory of a past working day in my career.

This week Jeff popped up in my mind.  I remember the sale for this fellow from Montana who purchased an acre of land in our beautiful valley in Arizona.  When Jeff walked through one of our model homes, he made his decision to purchase quickly.   As I wrote up the paperwork, I listened to Jeff dream about relocating and what that would look like for him in that beautiful home on his new property.

I answered all his questions but one.  He ordered, not asked, that I find him a girlfriend to move in with him in his new home.  I studied his face and realized he was serious!

“Make sure she is not over 35.  And I don’t want any sick lady.  She can’t have any kids either.  I want her to be healthy and willing to enjoy my new life with me.” 

To be honest, I could not think of any woman I know and dislike that much to fix up with Jeff.  The sale never launched.  Jeff’s credit did not permit the sale of the home.

Are there men like him out there?
My husband is opposite of Jeff.  Tom compliments me more in our golden years than when we were younger!  Thankfully, he doesn’t mind our kids or grandkids either! 


Tom has been a gem these last weeks during my recuperation from surgery.  He never complains with housework, cooking or driving me to physical therapy.   When I couldn’t balance myself, he helped me bathe and he would have carried me if I couldn’t walk.  I experienced real love at one of those times in my life when I felt most vulnerable.

I realize how blessed I am to have friends like you guys, too.  Your prayers, emails, and cards placed a huge smile on my face.  I told you I was scared of my first surgery and you sent me cyber hugs and peaceful thoughts, and wonderful words of encouragement!

I printed out your comments so when I felt discouraged, I could read them.  The Scriptures you wrote covered me with calm and confidence.

I’m still in therapy strengthening the knee that feels like I have one hundred thick rubber bands on it.  I’m happy to be able to ride my bike again and I can drive myself to my therapy appointments! 

Thank you for every prayer for me!  Thank you for caring and I ask God to bless you for your kindness.











Comments

  1. Mary, it's so wonderful to 'see' you again!

    My word, I'm wondering how you kept a straight face when Jeff was laying out his order ... like a shopping list. That's hilarious. Sad thing, I don't doubt with all the on-line 'personals' ads, he didn't find someone.
    Your Tom is a total gem. But I've no doubt you'd do the same thing for him. That's what winners do.

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  2. Poor Jeff. Oy vey. But, hey, at least he’s honest...

    Glad you are feeling better! For some reason, the rubber band thing sounds promising to me. It sounds like way strength returns when we are healing.

    I enjoyed your story about your gem Tom. What a good way to be!



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  3. Mary, I have missed you and am very happy to see your post. Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tom is a gem!

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  4. It's so good to see a post from you! Glad you are improving and so thankful that God has blessed you with a wonderful husband.
    Jeff sounds like quite the character - and not a good one!

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  5. Sister Mary!!! So good to hear from you again. I know I'm not the first one to say I miss you & your heartfelt posts! To hear that you continue to fully heal & be able to move your knee more is a blessing for us, your friends. I know it's not even half of bro. Tom's godly qualities as a husband you mentioned. Oh boy! He could even blog, too & is a funny guy! But what you mentioned about him just proved how much he deserved that "classic guitar"!!! ;)
    Unrealistic request was all I could think about Jeff's demands. Sounded like this inmate who wanted us to treat the fungus on his feet because he had plans to go to the beach (though he'd be incarcerated for a long time). Can't help but just wonder how the mind of a person thinks...I'm just so happy to hear from you. Oh yeah! I'm also bending my knees...only to pray :) stay strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love & prayers always

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  6. I am glad to know you are okay!

    I bet you had a chuckle with that man.

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  7. Would like to know what happened to Jeff! Glad to hear you are doing good and recuperating like you should and have a gem of a husband in Tom, being your life partner in sickness and in health.....

    betty

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  8. You and I both got what we call "a keeper" when it comes to spouses. When I went through surgery and chemo I couldn't have asked for a more attentive, caring, need-anticipating "nurse" than my husband. Glad you are on the mend, Mary!

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  9. Glad to see your post , and learn that you're OK. It seems your husband Tom is a genuine soulmate and life partner. You're a winner. Wishing you a swift recovery of the knee strength!

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  10. Dear friend, it was so nice to see a post from you. The dear Lord brings you so often to my mind, and I pray for you and your dear husband, too....and Amy and Abby, always, too. :) I am so thankful you are getting stronger and recuperating, and I know the healing hands of Jesus will lead you to complete healing. Love and appreciate you so much.

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  11. Oh Dear Mary, I am so HAPPY to see you post! I have been praying for you. Matter of fact this past Friday, I had you on my heart all the morning and I prayed. I do hope that you are doing well. Praise the Lord for good men that take their wedding vows to heart. EVERY SINGLE one of them! Praying for complete healing my friend. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
    P.S. As for Jeff! I wonder if he ever found that woman he was looking for!!!!

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  12. Hi Mary! I'm so glad to see you on your blog again, and yes, thank the Lord you don't have a Jeff for a husband. Ugh!
    Are you doing well in PT? I know it's very rigorous, and you have yet another surgery in the future too. Know that my prayers will always accompany you. Hope you had a great weekend!
    Ceil

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  13. Oh wow! I'm so glad you didn't end up with someone like Jeff! I fully expect my Lowell to be like your Tom. I pray that God will heal your knee completely. My Lowell will be having surgery in December for his knee just about the time that I'll be taking radiation. It should be some kind of merry Christmas!
    Be blessed, oh, you are!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  14. Glad you're back!!! And yes, your husband is a great man and a wonderful example for me.

    The prayers were answered and it's good to read your wonderful voice again, sister.

    You were missed.

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  15. You have a way of telling a story and weaving it into your focus for the post! So wonderful to have your husband's help through your surgery and recovery. I too, have experienced the beauty of having my husband, children, and friends help me through a recent surgery and I will have another one next week. It is amazing how much you realize you are loved by the people around you who are willing to help however they can. Like you, I am so blessed with a precious husband, and find it so sad that there "Jeffs" out there in the world. Hope your recovery continues to make progress and that those knees loosen up and get to enjoy life again :)

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  16. There are Jeffs and there are people like your husband who see us through tough times and share the fun times. Continuing prayers for a complete recovery.

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