April 16, 2014
Finding That Real Man

Dr. Laura,

I was compelled to write after listening to the podcast of the man who became a paraplegic and his girlfriend who let him down.

I met my husband, John when we were 17, just one week before I was struck by a car and sustained horrible injuries. John came to visit me in the hospital without fail every other day for 3 weeks until the awful day when the doctors decided that amputating my right leg was the only option to save my life. The night of my surgery I worried he would not wish to see me anymore.  My big brother assured me that if John couldn't deal with it, someday a really great guy would come into my life.

Two days later, John arrived to visit and I said, "I didn't think you would come." He replied, "I told my mother I couldn't handle this and she said I had to come and tell you that in person." He proceeded to sit down and talk with me for an hour.  When he got up to leave, I said, "Well, thank you for coming. I guess this is goodbye." John replied, "If it's okay with you, I would like to keep coming back. I thought I was only attracted to your outer beauty and looks, but I realize I really want to get to know what is inside you." I knew then that standing before me was the best friend and greatest gift I would ever receive in my life.

John has stood by me through many ups and downs over our 30 year marriage. We cried through infertility and miscarriages, rejoiced when our son and daughter were born, and grieved when loved ones passed away. He held my hand through multiple surgeries to repair the damage of that accident 35 years ago. I live with the pain every day, but that burden is eased by the love and support I receive every day. John showed he was a real man when he was only 17 and has continued to be a real man ever since.
 
With gratitude,

Jean



Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM