From Then Till Now

I should have been blogging consistently for WEEKS now.  So many things have been happening in rapid fire.  Writing my life out is the best form of therapy for me and I’m regretting not having carved out time to do that here or in my “morning pages” notebook.

I bet Andy would have appreciated if I’d been writing along the way too…it would have been less neurotic chatter for him to have to listen to! LOL

Two weeks ago he completed his medical school journey and walked across the Michigan State University stage to become Dr. Andrew Thomas Gould.  Sitting in the auditorium that evening was so moving.  It was the first time I’d had a moment that week (or practically all year for that matter!) to sit still and fully realize all that Andy has achieved and the astounding grace with which he balanced it all.  My Andy is a doctor.

MY ANDY!

This guy!

The wacky, smart, silly, cocky, fun, energetic, box-dyed-blonde boy from high school who stole my heart at 14 years old…

and helped me ring in MY box-dyed-blonde 16th Birthday/High School graduation in the summer of 1996 (notice his shirt LOL)…

and who worked part-time as a coffee barista before graduating college, then worked as a youth pastor, and an assistant dean of students at his college before being laid off at which point he started substitute teaching which led to a 6 year stint in construction before being laid off again which turned out to be the best worst blessing ever because…

it led him to intense soul-searching that resulted in a decision to go to medical school and here he is now:

Dr. Andrew Thomas Gould.

I will not sit here and tell you the tale I just laid out was easy or smooth or without much heartache (both his and my own).  It was uncomfortable and uphill and messy and challenging and rewarding and fulfilling and sad and hard and intense and LONG.

But it was SO. VERY. WORTH. IT.

Despite the fact that he was over 30.

Despite the fact we had waited years and years to start a family, waiting for him to get a “good job” and he picked the longest possible career path.

Despite the fact we had no money to pay for school.

Despite the fact we got pregnant immediately upon him deciding to become a doctor and I did not fare well as a full-time working mom.

Despite the fact our marriage went through it’s most difficult and heart-wrenching challenges in the middle of everything.

Despite the fact he tragically lost his mom half-way through.

Despite the fact we had 3 children in 5 years right on top of his school career.

It was worth it.

Taking risks and pursuing big dreams despite the odds yields the sweetest blood, sweat, and tears you’ll experience.  Stepping out in faith and trusting that God is sovereign when you don’t know how everything will work out is an incredible faith builder.

Deciding to press into your marriage and pursue unity at all cost no matter what you face, is what builds relational foundations that cannot be cracked.

Andy has displayed so much courage over the last 8 years.  I’m continually inspired by him and I know our children’s lives will be shaped by their dad’s brave story.  I know I am more motivated to pursue my own dreams after being an eye-witness to Andy’s journey.

This guy is the real deal and I’m so incredibly grateful he’s mine.

I’m proud of us, babe.  We’ve fought some tough battles and thanks to the grace and mercy of God, we have come out on the other side victorious.

There’s no one else I’d rather fight beside than you.

My courageous and handsome doctor :)