Jake

I remember the first time I had a conversation with Jake. It was quite non-traditional simply because we met on an online dating site, and our first conversation was through IM. I wasn't looking anything but friendship as I was jaded because of a very recent relationship that involved a lot of emotional abuse. Through this conversation, I really was drawn to Jake's way with words (as I'm sure many of you are experiencing). He seemed a little forward, but his insistence that he was a gentleman was appealing. The interest was cemented by a simultaneous mention of "alien repellent". We will never forget alien repellent, but if you asked me to recall its reference, I wouldn't be able to tell you.

Less than a week later, I was meeting Jake in person. I honestly didn't think that we'd end up where we are, but I knew that we would develop a deep friendship. In fact, in the beginning I really didn't think we'd end up dating. Over the course of the following month, I was finding out just what kind of a guy Jake is.

Those of you who know him well know that Jake is the most genuine man one could ever hope to know. He would do anything for ANYONE without a second thought. I've known him to give away money that I was certain we didn't have just because he wanted to help. (Well, that, and he enjoys writing "Mr Crowley" on all of the donation balloons/shamrocks/etc.) His stated reason for dating me initially was to show me that good guys do exist. I knew within 3 months just the kind of man he was, and I knew that I wanted to marry that kind of man.

In addition to his genuine nature, Jake has an amazing amount of strength. I've only seen him break down twice. Once was when we thought our relationship might be ending, the second was when our newborn son was on the bili lights and he was screaming and we weren't able to console him. We were devastated. I fully expected there to be similar devastation after his diagnosis, but it hasn't been there. Jake KNOWS, without a doubt, that he will beat this thing. With the amount of strength Jake has, how can he be wrong? And after reading his blog, how can you not agree? Jake's faith spills over to me, and I can tell you now that I KNOW he will beat cancer. And with the strength that is coming from all of you as well, we are well prepared.

Even though we had some crazy ups and downs before we got married, we still ended up together. I know that I couldn't be happier, and the kind of marriage we have is solid. One of the worries that went through my mind after the news of his diagnosis was starting to settle in was that our relationship may not survive, as so many relationships tend to fall apart when a major life-changing event is introduced. But I've had confirmation over the past few days that this trial will make our marriage virtually indestructible. It's not to say that it's the reason for our trial, but rather it is a blessing of our trial.

I feel guilty that I am not the strength to build Jake up, but that he is the strength that builds me up. I am continually trying to think of ways that I can help make his trial easier or more comfortable, but he's so amazing that his discomfort so far is minimal. We do not expect this to be the case the whole time, but it's just another blessing during this ordeal. It's also another confirmation that he will get through this.

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and marry this man. He has made me want to be a better person all the way around. He is supportive and pleasant and infinitely happy. I can't imagine life without him, and I look forward to many, many years of happiness with him.