It seems natural to want the best for our loved ones and have the desire to take care of them in their time of need. However, when the shoe is on the other foot, it is not always easy to watch the sacrifices that others make to take care of us. I continue to be in awe of the loyalty of my parents and husband, Noah.
I sometimes have moments of weakness where I look at Noah and feel as though he deserves ‘better’ and how I wish I could give him ‘more.’ We are in our early thirties and he has already endured and sacrificed so much because of my health issues. Noah works very hard at his career and continues that hard-working dedication every evening when he gets home. He has amazing patience and instills in me the importance of focusing on my health and recovery from my recent surgeries.
When enduring health obstacles in life, honesty and acceptance are important yet difficult things to come to terms with. However, both are fundamental when navigating through and sharing our individual journeys with a loved one. We must try not to live in denial of our current path or potential health crossroads, but rather live with unyielding honesty for our own well-being and for those that care for us. Accepting the good, the bad, the highs, and the lows that make each of us irreplaceable, helps to embrace the voyage we are on and build stronger relationships with our loving support team.
I thank Noah daily for his support and commitment. I sometimes slip an “I’m sorry” in with my loving sentiments. I know that I do not choose for health issues to happen in my life and I do all I can to take the best care of myself, but I think it is natural to feel bad for our loved ones that share the ups and downs of life with us. This week Noah reminded me that he was fully aware of my health background when he married me and how we were very honest with each other about everything before we said, “I do.” He said he accepted that then, does today and always will.
Gratitude is hard to convey and at times words seem inadequate when expressing my appreciation for the way in which Noah inspires me daily through his steadfast support. Our honesty with each other and acceptance of what each new day brings helps fuel our passion for each other and life. Although I can’t do everything I want for Noah or give him everything I think he deserves, I know if the shoe were on the other foot and Noah was battling health issues, I would do all I could to care for him as he does for me.
Who is your granite foundation in life and how do they help you with honesty and acceptance as you navigate through your special journey?
Beautiful conveyance of your inter feeling. You are a precious person and I am so glad you and Noah found each other.
Dearest Carolyn,
Thank you! I may have been dealt many health challenges, but I am blessed with all of the love and support from my parents, Noah and beautiful friends like you! xo
You are blessed to have each other. I knew my husband had PKD when we married and I was more than willing to adjust and make things the best I could everyday. Please know that he is doing what is in his heart and obviously truly loves you. The day came that my husband needed a kidney transplant. I was a match. I would not change our experience. Today he his healthy and doing great. I am sure that if that day comes for you your husband will be the first in line to be tested. Sometimes people’s path cross for many reason. Bless you and your wonderful supportive husband.
Dear Pam,
Your beautiful message gave me goosebumps. Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story of you and your husband. What a treasure you are and how you matched your husband – you are right, sometimes people’s paths cross for many reasons. Thank you for exemplifying unconditional love like my dear husband does. Also, thank you for your kind reassurance that Noah is doing what is in his heart. I can feel this every day through his actions and words, and try my best to express my appreciation and live my life in such a positive way to show my gratitude. So happy to hear your husband is doing great. If you are on facebook, please ‘friend’ me at, ‘Valen Cover Keefer.’ Wishing you and your husband all the best!
Valen,
You inspire so many of us, I know I would not be here today if not for my husband Jeff. He always supports me and tries to make all my appointments. He also knew he married PKD. I do feel bad because he is my rock and has never once thought of giving up on us no matter what. I feel like I have the greatest husband I could ask for, he is the best! We are off to Dr Patel’s office very soon for yet another speed bump in the road of PKD. This one is called skin cancer. We will take care of it and do what is needed for me to continue to be healthy. Thank you for sharing your life, it makes what I go through better knowing how strong you always are!!
Get better and continue to heal beautiful lady.
Valen,
You inspire so many of us, I know I would not be here today if not for my husband Jeff. He always supports me and tries to make all my appointments. He also knew he married PKD. I do feel bad because he is my rock and has never once thought of giving up on us no matter what. I feel like I have the greatest husband I could ask for, he is the best! We are off to Dr Patel’s office very soon for yet another speed bump in the road of PKD. This one is called skin cancer. We will take care of it and do what is needed for me to continue to be healthy. Thank you for sharing your life, it makes what I go through better knowing how strong you always are!!
Get better and continue to heal beautiful lady.
Hi Wendy,
I am so happy that you have Jeff by your side. That steadfast support gives us strength and something to look forward to. I am sorry to hear that you are battling skin cancer. I hope that it was caught early and will be a small hiccup for you in your beautiful journey. I am so grateful that our paths crossed and we were able to meet. I think of you often. Stay strong my dear friend! xoxo
I am getting married in may to a guy who knows I have PKD and accepts me the way I am 🙂 I told him on our second date and he said he would just take care of. me 🙂 I knew then he was the right guy . since then I’ve recently gotten worse they tried puttng in a fistula it didn’t work 🙁 my fiance.keeps reminding me he’s never leaving me 🙂 I’m just frustrated 🙁 he even offered his kidney 🙂 I just didn’t want to start out my marriage with all my health problems 🙁 I love your story 🙂 and it helps.:-) thank you 🙂
Sincerely
Bridget_
Hi Bridget,
I completely understand your reservations of starting out your marriage with your health problems. I felt the same way, but we are so lucky to have such steadfast support from our partners in life. I try my best to embrace my husband’s love and show as much gratitude for his dedication as I possibly can. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and I wish you all the best as you start this next chapter of your PKD journey.
Thank you so much <3 he keeps reminding me. he's never leaving me ! That I'm stuck with him 🙂 we met at just the right time 🙂 I don't know where id. be without him !
God bless you !
Bridget
Hi Valen,
As always, your eloquent words are well received. Noah is a lucky man. Still experiencing delays on my trek, but that’s ok. My strength/support comes in a variety of ways. Wishing you health and happiness.
Hi Karen,
Thank you for your kind words of support. I hope these delays will lead you to a wonderful match and many future healthy days. Great to hear that you have a variety of avenues that you are able to get your strength and support from – that is important. Never lose hope my friend.
Valen, I look so forward to your posts each week! What an inspiration you are! I feel like I know you, Noah and your parents! What an amazing team. I have know since 1990 that i have PKD but have never really talked much about it because no one knew anything about it and MOST every Dr that I had/have still no very little about PKD. Today, I am very open about this disease and have had several opportunities to encourage others that have never had anyone to talk with about their disease! It always encourages me to encourage others and I again say “THANK YOU” for your honesty and openess and the postive example that you are too sooooo many. I carry you, Noah and your parents in my heart and have many of my friends praying for all of you. I wish only GOD’S very best for all of you. Blessings, xoxoxoxo <3 Marsha
Hi Marsha,
Your kindness shines through in your words and I’m thankful to have your support and prayers. Thank you for reading my blog and embracing my story and my family. It makes me happy to know that you are open about your PKD and encouraging others to do the same. Have a beautiful day my friend. xoxo
Hey Valen,
As usual you hit thoughts that go through many of our PKD heads (not mention others facing challenging diseases). My wife & two daughters are the strength behind me as I too go through those “I’m Sorry” moments. This thought especially hit me this week as my kidney function is dropping dramatically over the last few months and dialysis looms a lot quicker than I had hopped (6-12 months). Funny thing is that on the same day that I found this out I learned that I had made to the final interview for a new job position that would better meet the needs of my family. Good news & bad. Concentrating on the good!
Met you in person @ the Pkd walk in Sac. last year. Keep up the great work!
Hi John,
Thank you for reaching out and great to know that our paths crossed at the Sacramento Walk for PKD. I am glad that you were able to connect with this blog, but sorry to hear that your kidney function is dropping dramatically. Great to know that you are concentrating on the good, like the new job position. Our minds are very powerful and focusing on the good throughout our PKD journey is more powerful than some would think. As you embark on this new chapter with your PKD, should you need anything, please let me know. I live in Auburn. I wish you the best and look forward to when our paths cross again.