by Kimberly H. Smith

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Unconditional love. That's my husband's number one quality. High school sweethearts that married after dating for 13 years, we're now approaching our 4th wedding anniversary. We've weathered a 4 year long-distance relationship, three out of state moves, and a truckload of highs and lows. On our wedding day, my husband, who is not the most romantic guy in the world, wrote vows that took my breath away. I, as an aspiring writer, did not even come close to the thoughts he expressed.

But it was when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma on New Year's Eve 2004 that I realized the essence of his unconditional love for me. We were both rocked to our cores by the news. It was the beginning of a new year and we had plans to start a family. Life happened. My husband was by my side for the biopsy, the endless hours of chemotherapy, the radiation, the ongoing tests and the multitude of doctor appointments. He put my health above all else. He made sure I ate the right foods, took the right medicines and did extensive internet research. He was the inquisitive one when we met with doctors while I zoned out on all of the terminology. He could recite what they told me when I could not recall the simplest details. He was my rock. Even the way he looked at me was different. Warmly, affectionately, filled with love for someone he didn't want to lose.

Now I'm in remission, healthy and expecting our first child. That unconditional love has grown even more. My husband accompanies me to all of my prenatal doctor's visits, makes sure I eat vegetables with every meal, and adores my growing belly. He is truly my soul mate and I am very blessed to have such an amazing husband. I am looking forward to his next best quality: being a great father.

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