All we ever needed

I was looking through some old pictures the other night and came across this one. Joe with his incredible head of hair and both of us with smiles that could have lit up the universe. We were just starting our life together. Second marriage for both of us, we were so ready for this amazing new time ahead.

All we ever needed was to be committed to each other.

As those early years went on, we weathered our fair share of ups and downs. We’ll call them growing pains. There were a few moments when throwing in the towel would have been the easier option. But we were both pretty stubborn, and unwilling to give up. We always found our way back to each other.

All we ever needed was to trust each other.

Quitting his job and opening a food truck should have created more stress for us, but instead it released Joe to really enjoy what he was doing. And it forced us to simplify everything: our finances, our schedules. We learned how important time spent together really was and we made that time a priority. Life was good. We were thriving on less money, more time together, and enjoying the simple things. Little did we know after only a few years on the food truck, life would throw us a curve ball no one saw coming.

All we ever needed was to enjoy each other.

When cancer came knocking for Joe, we met it head on. We stood strong together. His positive attitude, and my obsessiveness, kept him healthy during surgeries and treatments. His job was to get better. My job was to make sure he had every option and opportunity to do so. When one of us felt weak we leaned on the other. Our faith grew stronger. I knew he was going to beat it, and he did!

All we ever needed was to support each other.

It’s been almost six months since I lost my Joe. Life is moving forward, and I smile more than I cry these days. I’m so grateful for the time I was given with this man of mine. I’m thankful for all the lessons we learned along the way. He taught me what love truly is. He taught me how important it is to laugh. I was the center of his universe, and he showed me that every single day. I hope he knows that he was the center of mine.

I can feel his presence in every decision I make, and in every beautiful thing life offers.

All we ever needed was the love we had for each other. And that will live on forever.