We all have our days when we need an extra hand or special touch because life is just too hard. On most days this is my role in our marriage, Miguel normally needs from me. However, this time it was me that was in need.  I received the dreaded call that my father had gone into cardiac arrest and things were grim.  It was a terrible call that set many things in motion, including needing to drive to be with my sister and mother that were 4 hours away.

I remember the conversation very clearly that morning.  “Miguel, I need to go because things are not well.”  Things were happening at a rapid speed and there were many things I needed to leave set in order to make the trip, including who will be staying and caring for Miguel.  “Miguel looked at me and said, I would like to go with you but do not want to be a burden for you,”  I said, yes please come with me because I am not sure what the outcome of all this will be.

My father passed away that evening, just hours after we arrived.  An unbelievable wave of sadness and shock came over me.  My body didn’t know how to react and started to tremble and shake.  It’s incredible how you have no idea how you will react when a loved one is no longer with you.

I will never forget how much comfort and support Miguel was to me during these times—MS could not stop him from being present and being the most supportive partner and husband I could ask for.  He was with me each and every moment that night and in the coming days.

My mother wanted Miguel to be one of the pallbearers and due to his illness, we had to get a stand-in for him.  However, that evening I got the idea to have Miguel lead or follow in his scooter so he could participate in such an important role.  I looked up how we would be able to do this and found out that this in fact was a thing,  here’s what I found in Google: If any people whom you would like to have as pallbearers are not physically capable of carrying the weight of a casket, those people can be made “honorary pallbearers” and can walk in front of, beside, or behind the casket. There is no limit to the number of honorary pallbearers that you can have at your funeral.

Once again, MS did not limit Miguel to be present and love and support his family when we all needed it the most.  I will forever be grateful for this and love him even more (if that’s even possible)

Please don’t allow this dreaded illness to hold you back from the things you want to do—you got this!!!

In love and in sickness,

Silvia