Here I go!

This has been something that I have wanted to do for some time because I know that I cannot be alone on this path my life has taken.  Being married to someone with Chronic Pain is not something that I ever planned or would have chosen, but here I am.  My husband and I are both 38 years-old.  Eight years ago we were living our dream as a very traditional family.  He was a Youth Pastor and I was a stay-at-home mom who was also his partner in ministry and active in the community.  Today, my husband suffers from pain 24/7 due to "failed back syndrome."  As a result of the chronic pain he also suffers from depression and anxiety.  I now work full-time, take care of our two children, take care of our house, manage our finances and take care of my husband.  The holidays have been very difficult for us this year due to the pain - so much so that I debated whether or not to even start this blog right now.  However, I get tired of wearing my mask with a big smile plastered on it.  I want to talk about what really happens to a life and a family when it is impacted by chronic pain.  I hope to connect with other spouses who are traveling this same journey . . . to learn from them, to encourage them and hopefully together find a way to live this life while maintaining some sense of joy.  So . . . HERE I GO!  I'm sorry if you have to join me on this journey, but - if you do - I'm happy to have someone to travel along with me.