Comfort In Just Being There

Due to a family emergency, I spent the bulk of this past Saturday night in the ER.  I won't get into the gory details but let's just say it involved a lot of stitches and blood for my poor little brother.  I got a call at about 1:30 am and was in the ER until about 6:00am.  Fun times.

But this post is not about that (and for the record, Lil Bro TM will be fine, after some serious dental work.)  It's never a pleasant experience to be woken up in the middle of the night,  getting called to the hospital.  In fact, it can be downright overwhelming, scary and anxiety-inducing.  I've never been one to handle medical procedures very well (I've passed out several times in the doctor's office, once just from listening to my doctor verbally describe  a procedure.)

Luckily, Mr Trail Mix was with me for the whole time and I was truly thankful for his presence.  He got cash from the ATM after we got outside and realized I had no money to pay for a cab.  He got us coffee and snacks while we were waiting for 2 hours for the oral surgeon to come down.  He made Lil Bro TM laugh in spite of his injuries.  He held my hand.

In short, he was the best type of support I could have asked for during an uncertain, frustrating and scary situation.  It makes me confident that no matter what curveballs are thrown at us, he'll be there for me and vice versa.  For some reason (maybe it was sleep deprivation?) sitting there in the ER at 3 in the morning made me realize that this is what a marriage is all about.  It's sitting all night in the hospital even though it's not your relative.  It's taking care of details so your partner doesn't have to.  It's sitting in silence, holding your hand and just listening.  It's the kind of support you rely on in tough times.

I was truly comforted  that night in the hospital by the realization that I will be able to count on my husband to get me through the inevitable pains we will experience as we move through our lives together.  He's my rock and my support.  I have never felt this type of calmness or certainty before.  I like it.  The reality of the responsibility of becoming husband and wife has never been so clear nor appreciated.

Have you had an experience where you realized how thankful you were for your partner?