Engaged!

Bryan proposed to me on July 27th, and I am so excited to marry him. The whole time we've been dating, I've known (and he's known) that I have Lyme disease. He's seen me during some pretty low moments, but I wasn't sure if he really understood the full implication of everything that Lyme entailed, and what it would mean for us physically, emotionally and financially if we were to get married. I felt like he should fully understand all of that before making such an important decision. While visiting my family in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho right after his family reunion, I asked he and my dad to watch the movie Under Our Skin with me. It's an excellent documentary that lays out the complexity, controversy and difficulty surrounding Lyme disease. It brings a lot of things out into the bright light of day, and deals with some of the stark realities of this debilitating illness.

I remember crying as I explained to him why I wanted him to watch it. Dealing with chronic illness is difficult, and would be even more difficult while trying to make all the necessary life adjustments that happen for any newlywed couple. I am currently unable to work, and most days I'm not able to contribute very much in terms of everyday tasks, cleaning or even cooking. He wants to attend dental school with all the time and effort that will entail. I wanted him to be aware of all the implications that this illness could have for us in our life together. In spite of my thorough explanations, and after watching the movie, to my complete and total surprise he proposed to me six hours later. While visiting with me on the phone the next morning, my dad remarked that I would never have to wonder if Bryan really loved me. I am amazed and humbled that he is willing and able to look past all of this! More than that, I am so glad that he is the wonderful man that he is, and that I will have a partner in this battle from here on out!