APRECIATION
Marjorie my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer just three weeks before her 65th birthday in July 2008.
I went through a mixture of emotions, first of shock, second of fear, third of anger, why Marjorie she never smoked, drinks only on very rare occasions, like Christmas and birthdays.
We eat very healthy food, keeping to the five fruit and vegetables, fish twice a week. Exercise regularly, three times a week walks of around three miles, line dancing twice a week .
In all the forty five years of our marriage she has never been ill, not even a cold so why Marjorie.
Marjorie was very philosophical; saying to the surgeon do whatever you have to do, just get rid of it.
She has gone through having mastectomy, lymph glands removed, was in hospital less than 20 hours. Her treatment continued on a trial, course of chemotherapy over six months.
She has shown extreme courage and strength of mind to maintain her spirits.
I now know why it is said that women are the stronger sex, and 'eh lads' this isn't just a bit of flannel, let me tell you a woman's work is never done.
Ok - I hear you saying 'the man is nuts' admitting women are the stronger sex.
We have been Married forty-five years have two boys. That's another job for the women carrying for nine months, and then giving birth'.
I never really saw our son's grow up. What with football, - my job - nights out with the lads. Later becoming a football coach at Oldham Athletic. The lads had become teenagers before I realised.
Marjorie on the other hand was bringing them up, washing - ironing- shopping- cleaning. 'Oh yes' I did do the washing up when I was at home.
I hear you lads - in the 1950s-60s men were the bread winners, working all hours to provide for the family. We couldn't be housekeeper, child minder as well could we?
We all wanted our new television, a car, and all other luxuries in life. So like most women Marjorie went to work when the lads started school. Just so we could afford those extras, part-time of course, She still had to pick up the boys, do the shopping, make the tea, clean the house Well. I was full time working wasn't I?
Later we went into our own businesses, first a newsagent's, then three Free house pubs. Marjorie was not only a mother and housekeeper; she was an equal business partner, working as long and hard to bring us success in all our businesses.
So when we were confronted with this shock, and the Macmillan nurse said your wife will have no energy and be very weak for quite sometime.
You will have to do the housework, shopping, washing, ironing, and the personal care of your wife.
It was twelve months of being the housewife, a mere fraction of our life together, we are now over the hill; Marjorie has been given a clean bill of health, and is returning to her old self.
One thing wont return is my total lack of appreciation for Marjorie, my feelings and admiration of a partner who has shown exceptional courage, and strength to overcome cancer.
A wonderful mother, partner, in work and life.
I will be forever grateful that she has put up with my man thing over all those years; and from now, on if anyone asks! 'Who's the boss in your house' my reply will be; 'Marjorie my soul mate.'