October 15th will forever mark the anniversary of Jared's diagnosis with cancer. We will always remember this day as being the day our lives got turned upside-down. So today, on the first anniversary, I wanted to focus on the positives. I told Jared to make a list of ways his life has been changed for the better this past year, and I did the same.
Here's my list:
- My marriage is stronger than ever.
- My appreciation and admiration for Jared has grown immensely. He has handled his trial like a champ! I know it kills him not to be able to do things he could do a year ago, especially sports. Sports were his life. Yet he doesn't complain. He works hard and tries to get better.
- My appreciation for those around my family has grown. I'm always amazed at the generosity and kindness of others.
- I appreciate life more. I try to enjoy "moments" with my family.
- I see more of a "bigger picture" in regards to my life.
- I have a greater dependence on the Lord and realize that my life is completely and totally in His hands.
- I appreciate little things more. When I run up a flight of stairs and look back as Jared struggles to get up them, I am grateful and humbled.
- I focus more on things that matter, and care less about things that don't matter - I don't get as caught up in the "drama" of others' lives. I realize the lack of importance.
- When Jared used to travel, I couldn't sleep at night. I would get scared and had to start drugging myself to get a good night's sleep. Now when he travels, I can sleep!!
- I feel closer to the Savior than ever before, save a few mission experiences.
- I try to live more for the moment, enjoying the journey.
- I feel a greater closeness and appreciation for my family
- I have really had to rely on my wife for physical, emotional, and spiritual support. I have learned that she is very caring, hard-working, and truly loves me. For this, I will always be grateful.
- I have learned that Heavenly Father loves me.
- I honestly feel more blessed than I have at any other point in my life. I have been blessed a tremendous amount and I am glad to have recognized this.
- I realize that the Lord knows my wife and I intimately. He has helped us several times when we felt a little down by presenting uplifting stories, videos, scriptures, talks, and other things to lift up our spirits.
- I've learned to watch what you ask for. The Lord hears and answers prayers, and He knows what's best for us.
