a spot of good news…

I’m engaged!!!

Those of you who are regular readers of this blog have undoubtedly heard me mention “the BF”.  We started dating almost six years ago when, after a year as very good friends, he told me he had feelings for me. We decided to give it a shot and, after a rocky start (going from friends to dating isn’t as easy as the movies make it seem!), we’ve been together ever since.

In addition to his overwhelming good looks (seriously…he’s cuuute), intelligence, and kindness, he’s also a great caregiver. The BF has been with me since the beginning of my illness. In fact, we dated for about 8 months before my illness began.  He rode with me in my first (and only) ambulance ride. He held my hand as I lay on the tiny bed in the ER. He took me to the hospital for my tilt table test when I was finally diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)/dysautonomia. He always believed me, even when no one else did. He remembers the person I used to be before all this happened, and still loves the woman I am now.

Years and years ago, the BF was in a bad helicopter accident during his enlistment in the Marines.  He was fortunate that he survived, as many others didn’t.  However, he broke his back and spent the next year recovering and learning how to walk again. His perseverance to walk again serves as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder that I’m lucky to be alive. He may not know what it’s like to have POTS,  but he understands what it’s like to have a body that doesn’t do what you want it to.

He understands my limitations, sometimes even better than I do. He makes sure I drink enough water, get enough salt, take my medications, take naps, and, on particularly bad brain fog days, he makes sure I know where my keys, phone and purse always are. When we arrive at an event, he’ll find a place where I can sit down, and he pretends he’s not interested in going to an event when he knows it is out of my energy level. “Free tickets to a concert? Nah, sounds boring.” “Beach party with free food and beer? Lame.” “Trip to Legoland? That’s for babies” (even though our condo is overflowing with his Legos).

The BF isn’t perfect. In fact, we’re not even perfect for each other. He snores loudly, which sets off my adrenaline rushes and insomnia. He tends to like carb-heavy meals, which sets off my tachycardia and nausea.  We like different music, movies, books, games, hobbies, cities, events, and food. But he’s the sweetest guy I know, and he takes good care of me.

I can do this alone, but I’m glad I don’t have to.

Someday I’ll write a post about how the f*ck the woman who can’t stand for 10 minutes is going to make it through a wedding ceremony.

But not today. Today I will just be happy.

“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” – Bob Marley

Smell ya later.
– Linds