Bill had ACL repair surgery yesterday. They gave him a femoral block, and advised me post-op to be sure to give him his Percocet every four hours for the first 24 hours. The block may wear off suddenly, and nobody wants to be up in the middle of the night screaming in pain. He actually attempted to decline his 8 pm dose, but I explained why that was not a good idea.
At midnight, it was his voice and not that annoying alarm that roused me from sleep. I fetched a bit of bread so he could take his medicine with food and leaned near his bedside groggily. I had that slightly sick feeling you get when awakened much too soon, and my primary thoughts centered around climbing back into bed as soon as he was done and trying not to faceplant beforehand.
He took my hand. “Happy anniversary.”
I smiled. It was the next day already, and he remembered.
He apologized for the less than ideal circumstances of this anniversary, our thirteenth. “I can think of no better way to spend it,” I murmured. Even half-awake, I had the clarity to appreciate this opportunity to love him, honor him, and serve him when he needs me. While it is nice to recall those heady days of courtship on a marriage anniversary, it is also fitting to remember those vows of commitment “for better or for worse.”
May these thought sustain me through the next few days and weeks as he recovers.
Reit This Way 
Happy Anniversary! What a lovely post.
Happy anniversary! And indeed, a wonderful post. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!I hope Bill is feeling better soon!
Beautiful reflection. Happy Anniversary and many Blessings.
How sweet. 🙂 Happy anniversary to both of you, and I hope his recovery is quick and smooth. 🙂
Aww! Happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! My hubby did the ACL repair 4 years ago….so although I can’t empathize with Bill, I know exactly what you’re going through. Make sure he does all his PT. It hurts, but it’s worth it! Many prayers for a speedy recovery!
Mega dittoes! Beautifully put!Hope all went well!Happy Anniversary!Love,Mom
happy anniversary. i guess i will share him for the day.hope he feels better soon!r
Happy anniversary!! I hope Bill recovers quickly and completely. He’s in good company with the Notre Dame coach, you know 🙂
Happy Aniversary! I hope recovery is smooth sailing.
Happy, Happy Annviersary, Many Years!I hope Bill feels better soon, and your post is wonderful.
Happy Anniversary! You made the hormonal preggo cry. It’s a beautiful post, but it doesn’t take much these days. 🙂
Happy Anniversary…
Happy Anniversary…
Happy Anniversary!You have a wonderful love. I admire your devotion to each other. It is a beautiful thing to have that kind of connection and strength in a marriage.
Happy Anniversary! Can’t believe it’s been 13 years already. Here’s to many more.
Happy Anniversary. Hope you’re feeling better soon, Bill. Take those pain pills. It’s one of the only times in your life someone will legitimately offer you good drugs.
Happy Anniversay and many many blessed more. Prayers for your DH’s recovery. And angelic children! But then we know they already are!
Happy late Anniversary!