Monday, August 24, 2009

I had my tearful eyes opened

This week I realized something that I hadn’t previously.


This past Monday, as we sat on the couch, Ronnie asked to me read his post for Top Ten Tuesday; his list of things that made his CF life easier, and specifically, his number one. As he was reading it to me, and got to the final sentence, “and when I have death...” his eyes got watery as he finished the sentence. I pretended not to notice as he looked up at me with teary eyes for my review, and just offered up my praise for his entry. He then had me read point number three in which he wrote about his beloved (that’s me). As I read it out loud, I could feel him watching me. And as I read his words, “I want to be around for her for as long is absolutely possible” tears welled up in my eyes, my voice began to crack and a tearfully made it through the remainder of the sentence, swallowed the lump out of my throat and finished the point. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see his eyes glistening more than normal in the computer light, and realized in that moment that he too had tears in his eyes. I set the computer down, looked into his watery eyes as a few tears streamed down both of our faces, and told him it was perfect as I hugged him.


What I realized, as I sat there hugging him in the dark family room, only illuminated by the flickering, muted TV and his words on the computer screen was this: Ronnie is scared to die. I guess it’s silly to think that he wouldn’t be scared, but I think I just assumed that because he had always known it was a possibility and because of his personality/faith that it didn’t phase him. But in that moment I realized that he was scared for those of us he would leave behind. He wasn't afraid to die for him. The thought of death itself was one that didn't phase him. And the thought of going to heaven made him overwhelmingly happy. But he was scared to die for the rest of us, left here on earth. He knew the heartache, devastation and emptiness that it could potentially (and most likely) cause. He has always told me that the only time he gets choked up talking or thinking about CF is when he talks about his family. And it suddenly all made sense. He understands the sacrifices they have made to keep him happy and healthy, gets that they are a big reason he is around today, and I think (in psycho-analyzing him) that he’s scared what will happen, to his loved ones left behind, when he goes.


We did talk about it that night. We just sat there, hugging each other, my eyes tearing and opened to a realization that made my fears seem more rational; valid. It was an interesting moment between the two of us. Maybe because it’s the first time I saw my goofy, carefree best friend cry, or maybe because it’s the first time we shared, together, our fears for me when he was called home. Either way, it’s a moment I will never forget!

12 people had something to say...:

Denise said...

:-(

I don't know what else to say.

Anonymous said...

I relate 100%. I have tears in my eyes now!

Ginger

Jeremy said...

Sharing your tears.

Katey said...

Awesome moment!

Shari said...

Your blog is such an inspiration to me. I read it and it sure does put things into perspective for me. Thank you for the privilege of reading it!

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with ya. I don't like to think about the hurt and sadness my loved ones will feel when I die. I try to keep it funny and uplifting for them so that by some fat chance it will help them deal with it when I hit the road. That is one of the reasons that I didn't want to fall in love again because I didn't want to hurt anyone else. Weird maybe but it is what goes through the mind of a CFer.

Shannon
ltlhook@yahoo.com

Somer Love said...

I am glad you guys were able to share that and support each other together!

There's a lil something on my blog for ya!

Unknown said...

Love is what makes life all the sweeter, it's also what makes death all the sadder.

I have loved, and lost a partner to a terminal illness, and have precious memories, and a beautiful daughter from our 10 years together. There is still sadness, sometimes, but I have wonderful memories and I am so thankful for our love and our time together.

If we didn't have people who love us, who would care when we leave? THAT would be the saddest of all.

Love each other. We're all gonna die someday anyway, so why worry? And, save the sad for another day... whoever survives will grieve, and move on... hopefully to love again. Thankfully, the human race has the capacity for infinite love. :)

I love you guys. :)

Graciy said...

I think we have worked so hard at keeping our head forward and looking on the bright side that we have become pretty good at it. I am thankful for moments like this between my husband and I. It reminds us that his time just might be limited so we better make the most of it. When you truly love someone regardless of there CF it seems like you get sucked in to the CF world. Here in this land of ABX, nebs, vests, and enzymes we have some control in keeping them.

Bryan said...

Good post Mandi. You and Ronnie rock.

sara said...

That is a really sweet really cute post. :) Mandi you're awesome!!

Lauren & Alexandria said...

Awww
This made me have tears in my eyes as well.
Like Ronnie, I'm not afraid to die myself..I'm afraid of what will happen to my friends and family if something ever did happen.
I don't even like thinking about it because I couldn't even begin to imagine leaving them.
~You both are amazing (: