A beautiful challenge for our marriage

Jul 4, 2016
2 min read

At 18 weeks Johnna and her husband found out that their baby boy had spina bifida. Johnna is documenting her journey on this blog as an Everyday People contributor. To learn more about Johnna's story, click here.

In the last couple of months I have been thinking a lot about the meaning of

marriage. This has especially been on mind because my husband and I just

celebrated our two-year wedding anniversary in Houston this week.

We tried a new restaurant and went to a movie. It is the most I have done since surgery and it was perfect.

Two years ago and today's challenge

When we exchanged vows two years ago on a beautiful June afternoon, I know we

both meant every word. However, until life really challenges you as a couple, I think

it is hard to fully understand what those vows really mean.

When our baby was first diagnosed with spina bifida we were given a very negative

outlook and some misinformation. It was the first time I have seen my husband

break down and really cry.

Even though I was hurting too, I remember pulling myself together enough to comfort him. In that moment he needed my support more than I needed his. In the days that followed, I lost it a lot and he was my rock. I spent many moments standing in the kitchen crying while he held me and reassured me that everything was going to be okay.

I remember the day he told me he was no longer afraid of our baby boy’s diagnosis. After doing some research, he had come to realize that the positives far out weighed the negatives.

“So what if he may not be able walk and has to have wheelchair?” he said.

“We can get off road tires. And you know I am not a fan of basketball, but I will

become the biggest wheelchair basketball fan you have ever seen if that is

something he wants to do.”

These were the things I needed to hear. We found strength in each other. I started to

realize that this is what marriage is all about.