A Celebration of Marriage: Mrs. Pancakes

I was totally honored when Nini asked me to be part of her series while she is away on vacation.  I mean I am in some really good company--you'll see! I LOVE Nini's blog because of how she shares her life and heart with us so genuinely and that inspires me and so this is totally exciting for me.  Thank you Nini for having me today.  And I hope you and the hubby are enjoying your trip in Italy.

Now onto why I am visiting today.  To speak on marriage and what I have learned in the last eight months.  Wow...time really does fly…I still feel like we got married yesterday because the butterfly feelings and giddy-ness of the entire wedding day remains.  However, what I have learned about marriage actually started prior to our official wedding date of 4/23/11.  

Seven months into our engagement and four months before our wedding day, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer after a regular annual physical appointment.  

My initial fear was of course, "I am going to die", until I found out more information about the illness. 

My second fear was Mr. Pancakes was going to have an unhealthy wife for the rest of our lives and that’s not fair to him.  He deserves to be happy.  

My third fear was “I am going to have an ugly scar on my neck on my wedding day”. Yes vanity still exists even in the midst of a life altering decision.

I had all fears however it was during this time I realized that God had blessed me with the God-fearing man I had always prayed for.  When I informed Mr. Pancakes about the diagnosis, he did not panic.  He gave me a hug, kiss and said to me emphatically "you are going to be okay! Everything is going to be okay."  And even though I didn’t believe, I truly believed him. 

I learned you have to trust your husband regardless of your fears.

 I believe that this experience before our marriage revealed to me the strength of Mr. Pancakes’ faith.  I knew this before however he was showing me in more ways that I could have even imagined.   The first few days I was rationalizing the diagnosis and trying NOT to cry.  I remember Mr. Pancakes telling me one night, “If you need to cry just do it.”  And during those moments of uncontrollable crying, Mr. Pancakes would hold me close and tight.  He prayed with me.  He prayed over me. He loved me.

I learned in that moment, he was and will always be my rock.  

During this storm, when I was weak, Mr. Pancakes was strong for me.  When I wanted to hate God, he reminded me of God's purpose and His promises in our lives.  When I didn’t have faith, he had plenty for us!  I truly believe Mr. Pancakes became God's strength here on Earth for me during this storm.  And even before we said our "I do's", he was loving me the way God loves us: unconditionally and without measure!  

I learned that unconditional love exists in marriages.

We came through the storm stronger as individuals and as a couple.  We managed to plan a lovely wedding for us and our families; had the most amazing honeymoon and completed my thyroid surgery successfully and continue to heal daily. 

Since we shared our vows and were pronounced man and wife, we continue to learn and grow as a couple.  I've learned that I love and value the institution of marriage.  I love being Mr. Pancake's wife.  I love being part of Team Pancakes.  I love dreaming with him.  I love our lives together.  I love us! And the best thing I have learned since being married is that I am the most blessed and loved wife around! But then again I am biased because my husband is Mr. Pancakes!

**Wasn't this a great guest post? You can hear more from Mrs. Pancakes and share in her wonderful journey through marriage by visiting her at her blog. She talks about her love for her husband, her very strong faith and a wide range of topics, with occasional giveaways**