Book Summary

Book Summary ** Our lives, after the diagnosis and subsequent treatment, of my husband for a brain tumor, clearly have taken a path less traveled. Yet our journey has and continues to be, a journey of hope, joy and of unyeilding commitment. We invite you into our lives, a view of our childhood, marriage, a marriage seperate from convention, yet strongly bound. Join us as we recall the last twenty-five years, twenty of which have been spent LIVING with a brain tumor. Come, witness our challenges and discover our triumphs as we reinvent our relationship, struggle to redefine marriage roles, communication styles, and reclaim intimacy after illness.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Walking side by side, for life, raising brain tumor awareness

Why we walk, why I walk next to my husband and his brain tumor. Dec 20 will mark our 25th wedding anniversary and on that day I let him and the world know that I would stand by him for life. Richer or poor, sickness and in health. Our marriage was bound in love at that moment and that love has seen us through many happy moments, lifechanging moments and struggles. But yet we continue to walk together. 20 years ago we faced the diagnosis of an astrocytoma together. Although it was considered a "good tumor" it altered our lives forever. We confronted radiation, he showed courage and strengnth as he traveled to Boston for the 30 treatments. The effects of the radiation has taken its toll on his brain but yet he walks despite paralysis on his right side. He devised a method to tighten his shoe strings with one hand so that he can continue to walk. His adaptation to the struggles is what keeps me at his side. On this walk we have grown closer together and have learn to appreciate each other. I have maintained that he be as independent as possible and by taking a step back he has a sense of accomplishment with all his daily tasks. He has assited me to see the beauty in life, appreciate each day as a gift and he reminds me that I too can accomplish my goals. Over the past 10 years he has helped me find new ways to communicate. He can not speak but a few words but we can have a conversation like no others. His eyes, hand gestures, pictures can tell a story. His smile and kind touch, hugs and laughter fills my heart and I can feel his heart talk to me. I want to share with others this love and hope. That is why we walk