Happily Ever After

Yes, today is my 17th wedding anniversary. Wow, I never would have thought I'd be with someone even half that long. In my checked past I just couldn't stay committed to a woman very long at all. I was always on the move afraid of letting a woman too close to me. But Diana (my wife of course today) was different from all there rest. Very special in many ways. I knew of her for years before we even started dating. Even when I was still in my mess, I remember seeing her downtown where she used to work for the bank one day. She was so nice to me even though she knew I was struggling with substance abuse. We talked for a few minutes, and I recall feeling embarrassed because I was high on something, probably weed, and was uncomfortable talking to her like that. But I never forgot how nice it was to talk to her. We had originally met at Holly Park church, but I had left for about 6 1/2 yrs. When I returned we were both single, but I didn't think she'd be interested in me. How wrong I was. We finally began t date, but I still was unable to commit. I thought for sure I was going to blow my chance to be with the best woman I had ever met. But in time and with a solid spiritual trans formation in the Lord, I was able to pull it together enough to marry the woman of God. Amen.

I've learned over the years not to put my baby on a pedestal. That we both had, and still have, a lot of growth to experience. Praise God! That's a good thing. We both brought past experiences to the relationship and have had to learn how o understand one another in love. I thought I knew how much Diana loved me before I was diagnosed with cancer. But after we were told I had contracted cancer I really saw how powerful her love is for me. I know God will provide me with whatever I need, but I just can't imagine going through my health issues without Diana. Who else could do what she continues to do for me. It would have been too much for some to deal with. But Diana seemed to gather strength from the challengers before her. She goes most days, everyday, with little or no sleep. But doesn't complain. She has her moments where she seemingly runs out of gas, put she always reaches down and pulls it together to bless my family and I, every time. Praise the Lord.

The past couple of weeks I've continued to stay busy with ministry (volunteering at drug & alcohol recovery meetings) of different types. Music of course is a big part of that. Writing and recording the music the Lord imparts to me and my posse. What a blessing. Seems like the music and volunteer services mean so much more to me today. Makes sense, being told you're ill with a serious illness will make you straighten up right quick and look at everything in a different way. Ya know? Maybe you don't. Attending my cancer support group on Tuesdays for the past so many months has a big part to do with my outlook too. Some of the folks are waiting to die. That's a trip. But their attitudes don't reflect any despair at all. Makes me think a lot about living. Life just means a whole lot more today. Every moment is more precious than gold. Every breath .......................

Well, time to enjoy my wife's company. Am I blessed or what?

Love ya with the love of the Lord,

Freddy