“A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.” ~ Author Kate Stewart.
Every year on January 19th, I am reminded of the day I was finally discharged from my first of many (long-term) hospital stays thanks to my Facebook memories.
It was on that cold winter’s day, January 19th, 2015 that I returned home from the hospital after spending an exhausting three (plus) months in the Psychiatric Ward at Sunnybrook Hospital; which included many trials and tribulations with medications and a failed attempt at 8 sessions of ECT (Electroconvulsive Treatment). It was a time in my life that, to this day, I can honestly say are still some of the darkest days of my journey thus far.
I am also reminded today just how much I don’t need perfection, I just need someone who won’t give up on me which I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say, almost 11 years into my mental health journey and a few short months shy of our 30th wedding anniversary this coming May, that I found that person.
No marriage comes without its challenges. Conflict is inevitable. Boundaries imperative. But a healthy marriage will thrive on the acceptance of one another’s imperfections and have the ability to embrace each other’s flaws, giving space for the other person to feel safe and secure enough to express themselves without the fear of judgment or rejection. Compassion and understanding help to create both a nurturing and deeper connection.
NO marriage is perfect. But when we acknowledge, accept and even embrace each other’s imperfections and vulnerabilties we open our hearts up to sacrifice, tolerance, forgiveness, unconditional love, and a willingness to work through the difficult storms together.
Thank you to my Facebook memories today for reminding me all the reasons why I fell in love with you all those years ago, Rich. Thank you, Rich, for showing me that I am enough. Thank you for your strength and resilience. Thank you for your continued and unwavering commitment to our family and for your refusal to ever give up on me and our imperfectly perfect marriage. I am forever grateful.
“Imperfection is not a weakness but a source of beauty, growth, and resilience.”~unknown
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YouAreEnough 