I thought I lost my Gherkin

Almost this time yesterday I was driving down the road and my phone rang. I answered to the sound of my wife crying. Sobbing... I immediately asked what happened and after finding out I was driving she asked me to pull over. Again I asked what was wrong and she insisted that I pull over. I thought this was the call, I thought I had lost my Gherkin. I persisted and she proceeded to tell me about the cancer. This news is horrible, but it seemed so mild compared to what I thought was coming. I am so thankful I did not hear the words I thought were coming. It is a blessing to know that she is still here and she continues to fight. I will continue to learn from her and her mother each day spends on this earth with us.

Change of subject:

Tomorrow is Valentines Day. A day who's purpose is to celebrate the love we share with others (as well as a conspiracy brought on by the flower shops and evil candy makers) This will be a unique Valentines Day for Trish and I. It will be the first time we have spent this day apart. But, you know what... It's OK. This year more than ever I know that it is not about cards and flowers and stuff, but it is about the love she has for me and I have for her. I can honestly say that I have learned to love my wife more in the last 4 months. I have seen her character unfold on the pages of Ashley's Story. I have seen her growth in Christ. I have seen her unfailing devotion to a little pickle. I have heard her laugh and heard her cry and heard her praise the name of Jesus more than ever. I have come to respect her on such a higher level for who she is and who she has become. So, tomorrow will not bring a card or a box of chocolate, I will not get to hold my wife's hand, I will not get to look into her eyes, I will not get to wear cologne and woo her with my scent, I will not get to run my hand through her hair, I will not get to place a comforting kiss on her head letting her know we are in this together, I will not get to see her give Blake and Allie Valentine presents, I will not get to hold Ash, I will not get show Ash how much her daddy loves her instead it will be filled with a love that runs deeper than ever before.

I LOVE YOU TRISH,

"Roses and raindrops and chickens with whiskers."


One thing I have learned from Ashley's Story and I hope you guys have as well is that there is no one on this earth more important than my spouse. I do not have a better friend or stronger ally.

DAVE