When the chips are down

I am fortunate to have an incredibly supportive husband and have mentioned this before. At the moment things have become incredibly stressful and once more he has shown me amazing support. As I sit and reflect on our lives at present, we are dealing with a higher than average level of stress and yet his concern continues to be more for my feelings and stress than his own.

I read a quote today about relationships and it says roughly ‘don’t judge a relationship by red hot kisses but by the support they give you’ or words to that effect. Too many people go for the pretty package, the passionate lover, the person that makes your heart race when you first meet but look beyond that and often there is no substance.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore my husband and think he is gorgeous and amazing, but it is ‘when the chips are down’ that I love him the most. It is easy to be loving and happy when things are going well, but it is when you go through the really tough life challenges that you know whether you have a ‘diamond’ or a ‘lump of coal’ for a life partner.

With this current significant stress, coupled with Parkies as the cherry on the top, I know that my life is shared with someone who is very much a diamond. We have been through many challenges – some of them huge – and always come out the other side stronger.

The strength of a supportive partner is worth more than any anti-depressant, any pain killer any medication that has ever been invented. All of us Parkies people need that more than anything. For those who don’t have a partner, a family member or friend who supports and loves you through those difficult times is just as valuable. I hope all Parkies people have that diamond in their lives and they shine bright when they most need them.