I figured I was gonna blog about the chalkboard that I'm trying to build with out Eric. (not going as well as planned) But I figured I would wait to show everyone that little project once it is complete (with the help of Eric) and the successful product, not the failed one! And I got to thinking... geez what the heck would I do with out Eric? I sure as heck wouldn't be able to do all my projects. He helps me with every single one, and he just puts up with me. He encourages me and he's my biggest fan. When I say I have a plan or a new idea, he just rolls with it. When I want to move the recliners three times and re-hang the clock for the 5th time on a work night; he helps. He's quite the guy. I wouldn't be near as strong as I am with out Eric. I wouldn't have endured some of the things we did and came out OK if it wasn't for Eric.
Most people don't know Eric that well. He stays to himself until he knows you and he's comfortable around you. He's respectful. He's loyal, he's caring and hes a fantastic husband and friend. He's smart, almost too smart for his own good! He doesn't speak his mind unless someone asks him for it and he thinks before he speaks. This is a trait I wish I was better at.
Some of you might not know that Eric and I only knew each other for 9 months before we got married. 9 months! Isn't that insane? I think that's insane. That really doesn't even seem logical, even to me and its my life. How can you get to know someone and trust them enough to marry them with in 9 months? Who knows! Don't ask me..... but something felt right!
Eric and I couldn't be more opposite of each other. Eric was quiet, he took weeks to hold my hand, and even longer to kiss me. He was Quiet; I was not. I drank beer; he did not. I knew all about the trends; he did not. I was a social butterfly; he was not. I wanted to always be around other people; he did not. He was ready to spread his wings and move away from family for opportunity; I was not. I had tried to be away from my family once, and it only lasted a summer. That might sound lame to some of you, but my immediate family was everything to me. The thought of leaving my 7 siblings and parents made me sick to my stomach, I had never wanted to do it, until I met Eric. I had never felt safe enough to do it; until I met Big J.
Once we were married I moved to Nebraska. Eric was working for Fagen. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I didn't have a job. I barely had any money and I was leaving everything I ever knew behind. I was a rebel! Ha, OK I wasn't a rebel, I was a scared young adult that had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was home. Home was wherever Eric and I were together.
I figured I would get a temporary teaching job or subbing job, but that was a no go. Shortly after moving to Nebraska, Fagen hired me. It wasn't a dream job, but it was a job, and I got to be with Eric every single day. I thought.. man it doesn't get any better than this! But then it did, we got pregnant. Not planned. Not expected. It was a shock . I still remember that night like it was yesterday. I ran around screaming, laughing, crying and screaming some more. I called my mom, I didn't know what to think. I thought.. holy crap; we are pregnant. Do I even know this guy?! I hope I know this guy, I'm living in the middle of NOWHERE with this guy and about to have a child with him. Talk about scary. I thought it was the scariest thing ever, but it wasn't, because I had Eric. He was so excited. He was overjoyed. He was speechless.. but the smile on his face said it all. So to say the least.... life was pretty good. We had jobs, we were paying off student loans and credit cards faster than anyone our age and we were going home occasionally and had made a bunch of new friends. We were comfortable.
I was about 6-8 weeks pregnant, I had only had a couple appointments. I went in for a routine appointment and Eric decided to stay at work. The doctor found some blood. He said it most likely was nothing to worry about but that I should come back the next day for an ultrasound. I was pretty upset, but headed back to work. I felt fine. I was extremely tired but that was it. No morning sickness... just tired. Really really really tired. When I got back to work all the guys were in a meeting. I went to the bathroom and never came out. By the time the meeting was over the guys were wondering where I was at. I had had a miscarriage, well the start of one anyway. I don't know, its hard to explain. I went home, was put on bed rest and waited to see the doctor. I eventually had surgery. I thought I was scared when I got the news I was pregnant... this was a whole other type of fear. This was real life. This was raw. This was unexpected and Hella scary, BUT I was not in this alone. I had a partner. He stopped everything and was there for me. He made me "dunkin" eggs. He didn't even know what "dunkin" eggs were. That's how long we hadn't known each other. "Dunkin" eggs are over easy eggs, you can dunk your toast in...the kind your dad makes you when you are growing up. That's all I wanted when this happened, oh and my mom. My mom couldn't be there, but Eric could and he was constantly reassuring her that I was fine. Big J's version of "dunkin" eggs became my new favorite. Every day for many days I had eggs and toast and diet mountain dew. Big J was my rock. He was my nurse. He was the housekeeper. He was the bread winner. He was everything. He would bring home Pizza Hut with out me even asking. While going through this horrific event, I realized I was with the guy I was supposed to be with. I never knew I could love a person as much as I loved him. Every time I struggle with this thing called life or another miscarriage or health scare I am reminded how strong he is and that I picked the right husband. I am also reminded of how strong and easy our relationship is.
Eric's mom and dad raised one heck of a man. If I have ever regretted anything, its that I didn't tell Eric's dad how great of a son he raised and that I am so thankful for him!
I would like to think that I'm lucky, but I hope every single woman/wife feels this way about their spouse. No matter what happens.... through thick and thin... your husband needs to be there for you, you need to be his priority and whether you can give them the moon and stars, they need to love you unconditionally. Your husband should be your best friend. I once had a friend tell me it was weird how much time Eric and I spend together.. At first I was offended; now I just feel sad for that person. I never said Eric and I's relationship was perfect because its far from, but its our story and I like our story!
Now if only.... he would clean the bathrooms, sweep the floors and not walk through my house with his shoes on.......
Eric and Amy -- Las Vegas, NV 7/3/2006
You are so lucky to have Eric on your team. He is a great person and I enjoyed the time I spent with both of you. I look forward to reading your next story. Love you guys!
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