I Would Choose You, Every Time
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By Holly Hamilton
As I sit here with him and look down at my wedding ring, I have flashbacks to the day we got married. Besides having our children, it was one of the best days of my life.
Going into our marriage, I knew there would be struggles. Not just the typical marriage struggles, but the kind where I would stand by his side through every surgery, every pain, every blister, every sore. I knew there would be days where I’d help button his pants, put on his shoes and socks, cut up his food, open things for him, and so much more. I went into this marriage knowing I wasn’t just becoming his wife — I was also becoming a caretaker.
“Going into our marriage, I knew there would be struggles. Not just the typical marriage struggles, but the kind where I would stand by his side through every surgery, every pain, every blister, every sore.”
-Holly, CEP Caregiver
And no, it wasn’t for his money like some people have said. The truth is we struggle financially, and I’m the one who mostly provides for our family. But what people don’t see is everything he gives in return.
He is the first one to make me smile when I’m having a bad day. When I’m feeling negative, he reminds me of the good in life. He has been my rock just as much as I have been his. Sometimes marriage is 50/50, and sometimes it’s 100/100 — and I wouldn’t change it any other way.
Yes, I chose to have children with someone who has challenges. And I would choose it again every single time because he is the best dad. He never misses our kids’ games, even when he’s hurting. He plays with them, laughs with them, and loves them deeply. More than some men ever do.
“It has also taught our children incredible kindness and compassion. They have learned how to help others by watching how they love and care for their dad.”
My dad never had anything to do with me growing up. So I chose to give my children a dad who loves them unconditionally and shows up for them by choice, every single day.
Does he have challenges as a dad sometimes? Yes. But it has also taught our children incredible kindness and compassion. They have learned how to help others by watching how they love and care for their dad.
So would I change meeting Justin or having children with him?
Heck no. I would do it all over again. I would choose him every single day for the rest of my life. ❤️
Holly, Justin and their family.
For more information on acute intermittent porphyria and managing symptoms, visit Porphyria.org or contact us at info@porphyria.org. We are here to support you in your journey.
Holly and her husband, Justin, live in Nebraska with their family. You can follow their journey on Holly’s Instagram @holly.hamilton.17
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