Truth be told, it isn’t

easy being a man. Oh, I know the stereotypes, since I’ve been one for a few years. And I know the jokes. But I also know the overwhelming sense of inadequacy and frustration that goes along with the role. Chin up, ‘ol boy! Pull up them bootstraps and get going! Burn them thar tear ducts, wimpy boy! Better to keep them emotions in check than to show the world a weak side!

Today isn’t a good day. Turns out that 1 is very ill and has an IV in her arm as we speak. Seems as though the drug cocktail that she’s taking for the thyroid problem has wiped out her immune system. Not only does she have strep, she also has a very severe case of mono. Pray for her, would you?

So, what does this have to do with the subject matter at hand? Well, I’ve been able to do the guy thing, get the tickets, make the arrangements, force my will on it, etc. SU is flying up tonight and will spend the week caring for her. Whilst I keep my chin up, cheerio! Inside, my heart hurts and that’s not just a euphemism, I mean it hurts. Listening to her on the phone, hearing her frustration, hearing her doubts, hearing her loneliness, it just hurts. The only consolation I have is that somehow, someway, SU and I made it through the tough times of marriage and here we are, together, not alone, ready, able and willing to help 1 through this. And just as I must play my role, SU must play hers.

Chin up, ‘ol boy! Cheerio.