Grand Prize Winner
Sara's story

I'm roused from sleep by an annoying rattling sound; it's my husband shaking the bar of his hospital bed. I squint at the clock "Oh no!" I groan, "It's only five A.M." Ignoring the ruckus, I burrow my head in the pillow...but the noise intensifies. "I'll be right there," I mumble. But I can't muster the energy to get up. My silent partner softly taps against his pillow, and patiently waits for me. Now, sleep evades me as the day's concerns rush in. My husband's doctor appointment means three hours of preparation. No time for coffee, no time for more than a quick prayer. The closet mirror reveals my disheveled image; lopsided green night shirt, paunch, and graying hair. "What happened to you?" I ask sardonically. As my husband dozes off again, I wonder if I can muster up the strength to take on the day...Then I think of how much I love him, and gain the courage.

In spite of two major strokes, my beloved husband's faith in God remains firm and his demeanor conveys a calming hope and peace. At the doctor's office, I nervously wait to hear the report. "You are a lucky man. . .you're in very good shape for the shape you're in." Our doctor, a balding jovial man, pats my husband on his knee and chuckles at his humorous cliche. "And how many years since his stroke?" he asks me..."Nearly seventeen." The doc seems amazed. "Your wife takes very good care of you" he says sincerely. I'm elated. Humbly he sits shirtless, his thin body hunched over, soft blue eyes straining to look up at the doctor. I can tell he's pleased too. I feel my eyes tearing up as I dab his grin- ning lips with a cloth. My six foot hulk of a man, accomplished musician, adoring father of five, is now in need of my constant care. We've lost so much, but have the memories...and now we live by a deeper faith in God, and enjoy a closer relationship with each other.

Leaving the office, I feel like I can do anything, and my heart is filled with more love for my man than ever. I take a deep breath, and feel honored to walk home with him. His wheelchair is heavy, his meals may take a great deal of time to prepare, and I may lose sleep helping him into dry clothes, but he is happy. I may not have the time to come and go as I please, or the money to do my hair at the salon, but I have my honey, and seeing him smile brings me great joy. Although caregiving is extremely hard work, I find strength from my faith in God, and knowing that the love of my life is doing well, is my reward.