Wednesday, August 22, 2007

In Honor of Two Mrs. Gielczyk's

This is going to be a strange week for me. School started today. I am taking two online history classes at a secular school—that will be interesting. I wait tables at Bennigan's. Business is picking up, so that means more money, but it also means more aches and pains. I am not 20 something anymore. But those are the minor things. I am going to put my heart on my sleeve here a bit. Saturday will be the one year anniversary of my mother, Susan's, death. She died from cancer August 25, 2006. I have not totally dealt with that, but have as much as I want to at this point. And Thursday, my wife is having surgery on a ligament in her foot and will be in bed for a week. I will be taking care of her, which I guess will take my mind off my mother. Guys, comment here, if you will; I am taking an informal poll. My wife and some other women she has talked to seem to think it is a pretty big deal that I will be emptying her commode. I think it is my job as her husband. What do you think?

I want to spend the rest of this post writing about my wife. Sunday will be our six-month anniversary and she, at least, will be spending it in bed. She jokes, "What a way to get your husband to make you breakfast in bed... and lunch, and dinner." I have to tell all three of you who read this blog what she has done so far for this thing. She designed the logo (now she wants to be a graphic designer). She edits all my posts, which is no small task. She helps me with all the technological stuff that make things like this go. She is an all around God-send, and not just for the stuff she does for this blog, either. I was praying for a wife for almost three years before I got married to her, and God gave me so much more than I ever thought to ask for. I wanted a wife who would be excited to be a pastor's wife, and just when I thought I would settle for someone who would tolerate being a pastor's wife, God brought Lisa Bronson into my life. I could not have asked for someone more excited about the future ministry we are going to have together. The gleam in Lisa's eyes almost makes me cry. I love this woman more than I ever thought I would love someone. I just want to take this opportunity to thank God for putting Lisa in my life, and I want to say to Lisa, thank you for everything you do, for who you are, and I love you so much, honey.

In Christ
Alan

6 comments:

Mark said...

Just curious... who does your wife think should empty her commode? Assuming you don't have a nurse or maid, I think you are the lucky guy!

Congrats on your first 6 months together.

Lisa G. said...

Hi Mark. :)

I am so blessed to have Alan, and this is one more reason to appreciate him. It's not a case of who else would empty it, but the fact that most men I've known would do just about anything not to have to do something like this. I could imagine some guys making their wife sleep in the bathroom before they'd do this! But not Alan. He's a man after God's own heart, and takes his wedding vows (in sickness and in health, in this case) seriously and fulfills them completely, honorably, and cheerfully.

When the prospect of needing surgery first came up, I was horrified. A neighbor had foot surgery a couple of years ago, and had to stay in bed for some length of time, and figured I would have to do the same. There isn't a bathroom on the same floor as our bedroom, so I knew a commode would really be the only option. Alan laughed when he realized my horror wasn't because of the actual surgery, but because I knew he would have to perform this "service" for me. How embarrassing! But he's such a fantastic husband, he was able to reassure me that it's OK, he's happy to take care of me.

I got the commode at the Salvation Army thrift store. I commented to the woman working there that I'm having surgery, have to stay in bed for a week, and there isn't a bathroom on the same floor. She chuckled and asked, "Who's going to empty it?" I told her my husband is. Her jaw dropped, and said, "What a gem! You've got a good one there. I hope you appreciate him." And I do, very much!!

Thanks for the congratulations! We're looking forward to many more anniversaries and milestones! I wonder if I can get breakfast in bed for any more of them? :)

Mrs. Lisa Gielczyk

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on having a Reformed wife of six months who's looking forward to working with you in the work to which God has called you both.

And I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I'm not looking forward to that day. That would put a serious dent in the number of people who think I hung the moon. Yes, that complete number fits on one hand. The other one's nine years old.

Elizabeth said...

Today is a very difficult day but I have been reflecting on the year since our Mother passed. Wow what a year it has been. It melts my heart the way you speak about Lisa. Who what have thought a year ago you would have a wife. We have been truly blessed this year with the addition of Lisa to our family. I miss you guys and think of you often. I pray Lisa is getting better each day. Much love, Jeanne

Mark said...

Elizabeth said...
"Who would have thought a year ago you would have a wife."

That made me laugh because she could as well have said on your wedding day, "Who would have thought a *month* ago you would have a wife."

Cheers!
-mark

Alan said...

Lol, Elizabeth is my sister Jeanne, don't ask, I am not real clear on the story, other than I know she likes the name. Maybe if she has time she will post and clear it up for everyone. For the record, Lisa says she knew Feb. 1 we were going to be married. Not quite a month, but close.