When you can’t do normal…dealing with the illness of a spouse

Grabbing out the egg cartons, and milk, I piled them onto the kitchen island with all the other items. Not ten minutes before, I was combing through the pantry looking for a snack. Now, I was viciously scrubbing the walls and drawers of the refrigerator. Why? Because today, I just can’t do normal…

In fact, my mind is racing with so many thoughts that even a “thing to do” list won’t help me.

My desk is currently a sea of paperwork; business calls to be made, bills to pay, and events to schedule.

I’ve attempted to wash the same grill pan for the past three days, and I’ve never gotten to it.

My voicemail is full…and my email is back to over 1,000…..

I haven’t posted a blog post in months…..

And….I haven’t gotten the mail in about three days….

I’m sitting here typing in my pajamas while my girls, instead of doing school work, are downstairs making cookies, while my son is throwing up in his bedroom.

Normal. I have no idea what that means anymore.

There are probably people like me that you encounter every day. We smile and chat about silly things. We drop kids off for dance, and we schedule dentist appointments. We shop for groceries and we make our bed every day.

However, there are things that we are hiding…we are afraid to unveil what really monopolies our time and thoughts….

Some days…I just want to ignore the pain and act like everything is normal. I want to chat about what you had for dinner, and the newest show that you are watching. I want to mentally “retreat” and think about something other than the actual thoughts that pervade my mind.

Thoughts that make me cry behind closed doors. Thoughts that make me want to pull my covers over my head and not do anything all day.

And whatever you do…don’t make me stop and look at you. Because….my life is an open-book and I don’t want anyone to “read” what I’m trying to hide.

Just don’t……

I don’t want you to see the pain. I can’t handle it…and I certainly can’t try and find words to explain it to you.

And please….don’t ask me how I’m doing….because then I will start to unravel….and that gets really ugly and messy.

You see….my husband has a chronic illness…and we are in a tough stage. We’ve called it “bad lungs” for years to explain his crazy coughing fits to neighbors, acquaintances, and friends. We’ve been to multiple specialists who have “studied” his lungs….we’ve done all the treatments….but..ultimately we knew this day would come…

….when it all got serious.

Dan has been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis.

Here is how the American Lung Association defines it:

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the walls of the bronchi are thickened. This is caused by inflammation and infection in the bronchi. People with bronchiectasis will experience periods of good and bad health. The periods when your lung health gets worse are called exacerbations. Some patients with exacerbations notice a gradual decline in their health over a few weeks, while others start to have problems over the span of a few days.

In bronchiectasis, the walls of the bronchi are thickened from long-term inflammation and scarring. As a result of the damage, mucus produced by the cells lining the bronchi does not drain normally. Mucus build-up can cause infection. A cycle of inflammation and infection can develop, leading to loss of lung function over time.

In bronchiectasis, lung function gradually declines over years. Patients with frequent exacerbations or those whose bronchi are infected by certain bacteria, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), may lose lung function at a faster rate and have more bothersome respiratory symptoms.

Dan has had several “exacerbations” over the past year. He’s been hospitalized twice over the past two months….and has been treated for pneumonia six times this year.

To stay it’s been “trying” is an understatement.


This was our family earlier this month. It was a Monday….the same day that we were suppose to celebrate the birthday of my now five-year-old. She cried begging her daddy to go to the hospital so that he could be home “on turkey day”. I snapped this picture as they all crowded in to cry on his shoulder about another 5 day stay at the local hospital.

Another pneumonia…..another round of IV antibiotics to fight it. (We also learned that his body has become resistant to oral antibiotics.)

Didn’t we just do this two months ago?

We are suppose to be fighting about stupid stuff like the temperature that the house is kept at or the amount of crazy money that we are spending eating out.

I don’t want to talk about planning for our future or how long his lungs can go without the need for an oxygen tank.

I don’t want him to look at me with that “I know this sucks for you….but you know I really love you, right?!” look.

And somedays….I want to pretend like it’s “not a big deal”…….

So, if my hair looks crazy and my eyes look really puffy……or my smile has been missing for a while or I don’t seem “like myself” it’s because I’m just trying to get by each day without fear of the future. I’m trying to be strong for these five kiddos who rely on me for stability.

Because although I just want to block out the world, and cuddle with my husband all day, there are family memories left to be made.

There are holidays to celebrate, and birthday parties to plan.

I’m clinging to my family time and soaking up those precious moments that require me home. I’m spending time in prayer to protect my heart from all that awaits our family.

However…I’m weak…but I’m ok with that. Scripture tells us that “He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9” I need the Lord to grant me grace to get through this.

I’m finding it difficult to be left “wading in the water” by the Lord without “land” in sight. The “un-knowing” is the hardest part.

However, I am trying to follow God’s plan in all of this.

God will be re-defining a new “normal” for us over here in our home. In the meantime, please join me in prayer as we pray for direction.

So…. if you see me and I’m smiling, join me.

If you see me, and I’m really just struggling, just pray for me.

I know that I serve a God who truly loves me, who is allowing me to endure this painful time in my life, because I have begged Him to draw me closer. I know that my faith will get me through this.

Maybe there are people like me in your life….silently suffering….that could use your prayers …..be there for them.

My family is not alone….we don’t feel alone.

Our community is a large and loving one…and since news of his hospitalizations our friends and family have been surrounding us with so much support.

Whether they have made us dinner, sent food baskets, called and texted, took the kids for play dates, visited Dan in the hospital, or just let us know that they are “here” for us ….. I truly believe that it has been the “body of Christ” alive and well in our lives.

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for allowing me to open up my heart to you……

Just sharing this has lifted a burden for me……

Praying for you and your families.

Leave a Reply

16 comments

  • kmantoan says:

    Prayers Tammi. I’ll keep you all close in my thoughts this Advent.

    Reply
    • tammim1010 says:

      Thanks Kelly! That means so much to me and my family. Wishing you a blessed Advent.

      Reply
  • Lisa Martinez says:

    Oh my heart — Tammi, thank you for sharing this suffering from your heart. We will smile, cry, and pray along with you and your family. I wish we could sit, chat and pray, like old times, but will meet you in the Eucharist, friend! May God outpour his mercy upon Dan and your family. The song on my heart is Tomlin’s version of “When I survey the wondrous cross…” I know the Lord is using you in amazing ways, yes – even your weakness! Sending hugs, prayers, and love ❤️

    Reply
    • tammim1010 says:

      Oh Lisa. I wish we could sit and chat like old times….but “meeting me in the Eucharist” is just what I need. I love you, lady…and your amazing heart.

      Reply
  • Kerry says:

    I will be lifting Dan and your family up in my prayers!! May Our Lady surround you with her holy mantle and may you feel her love with you through this all!! Thank you for sharing your heart and being so honest and vulnerable to us!! Love you so so much Tammi!! I don’t do fasting, I never really have done well with it but I am strongly feeling like that is what I need to do for you, Dan and your family. So know there will be small fastings offered for you TODAY and in the next few days ahead!!
    In Christ, OUR Beloved,
    Kerry

    Reply
  • tammim1010 says:

    Thank you, Kerry for every little sacrifices is such a huge burden removed from us. Much love to you and your family.

    Reply
  • Maria Stewart says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tammi. I remember your sweet smile from Steubenville. Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers as you carry this cross. I know God is very close to the brokenhearted and loves you all with His infinite love. I pray that His love overwhelm you with the extra strength to endure these difficult days. May the peace that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and calm your fears. Much love to you and your family! Maria

    Reply
    • tammim1010 says:

      Thank you Maria. I have been supported and comforted from so many friends from FUS…such a balm to the soul.

      Reply
  • Amanda G Deo says:

    Love you Tammi. Prayed for Dan at the Healing Retreat and will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

    Reply
    • tammim1010 says:

      Thank you, Amanda. We appreciate all the prayers. Much love to you and the little baby. =)

      Reply
  • RedHeadMama8plus1 says:

    Oh Tammi!
    I have so much empathy for you. I could have written what you wrote (substituting my own life altering situation of course). But I can feel what you are feeling and wish I could give you a big hug. I’m praying For you all… for joy filled times each day… for strength when you can barely keep your eyes open… for people on the outside to be kind and offer empathy when you can’t keep up with commitments… for people to listen to the Holy Spirit when he prompts them to help you. Much love to you, Tammi!

    Reply
  • Tim Delaney says:

    Tammi….Suzy and I love you guys and are with you in prayer. This hurts. I’m so sorry for the hurt. Give Danny a hug for me.

    Reply
  • Birdie says:

    Tammi~
    I just read this. I had no idea how much you are carrying right now. Stay strong my friend, God knew you were the one He needed to help this dear man and beautiful children of yours. Love and prayers!
    ~ Birdie

    Reply