Tuesday, August 24, 2010

My Wife

I need to tell you about my wife. I will try very hard not to make this reflect my personal deep feelings about this very special human being. No, what I want to do is let you know where I draw much of my strength from and who I owe much of my life too.

We all need to have someone (not necessarily a spouse) who can be there for us in some way. Who can support you through good times and some really horrible times?
I know this woman who on so many levels outshines, excels most of us…at least myself.

Madelaine is a business woman. Does she work from 9-5 then come home and leave her job behind her? Never! She gives so much time of herself to her career and the company she works for that they could never imagine how lucky they are, even though they are a public company. Even during their supposedly not so busy season she works 8 to 10 hours a day. Then she comes home and after she spends family time, she will then work another two, three hours to past midnight and beyond if need be.

Family time—my wife was and has always been a great mother to our only child. She was a full time mom even when she was working. She also took the role of a part time dad when I couldn’t fulfill the position for one reason or another over the years. Like many moms and many single moms she negotiated her job, the house, our son’s school, his activities and all kinds of things in his life. The only thing was … she wasn’t a single mom. She also, {more than I would like to think} took care of a sick husband and at times a very sick husband.

Madelaine is a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, friend etc: Takes on all those roles with great pleasure and pride.

She rarely misses church on Sundays.

Then as a wife! Madelaine has taken her vows “through sickness and health, for better or worse, until death due you part”, very much to heart.

Here is a woman who at 23 married a guy who was heavy (450) yes, but he was mobile. He was working a great job. He took her on a 3 week honeymoon to Hawaii, California, and Vegas. Then we went back and forth to Vegas a few times in those beginning years. All kinds of vacation weekends, beautiful cars, a home, cleaning ladies. Madelaine was living large …then within 4 years the “Balloon” Burst. I lost the business; I was getting sicker, medical bills, surgeries, comas, hospitals, nurses, major wounds, 24 hour care. Now 30 years later and she still takes care of wound care she helps her husband all the time. She is there with him in the hospital, heart doctor appointments, through kidney failure and all kinds of scares.

She lives in fear of losing me but has she ever “Jumped ship” has she ever turned her back on me or any of her responsibilities or anyone? Never!

You have to see the joy she brings to her grandchildren and what she gets back in return. For them and her son and his family, she will do without so that they may have if need be.

Madelaine is greatness and not just because I love her.

She represents millions of un-sung heroes of the world.

People who help others and ask for nothing in return.

If it weren’t for a Madelaine there would be no Michael.

Remember none of us are an Island; none of us can really make it on our own.

We all need someone.

It may be a spouse, a friend, a church member, a special doctor, a neighbor or a family member.

We need someone to encourage us when we are doing well and to help pick us up when we are down.
Madelaine is and has been a friend for many. She is there for her family, her company, her friends and for sure her husband.

Madelaine is strong, she rarely asks for anything, and nearly never complains. She is a cancer survivor, those are special people right there!

I hope, pray and wish you all have a Madelaine in your lives!

God has put these Angels all around the planet to help people like you and me.

If you know one great, if you do not, they are out there.

Have a special day

Love

Mike

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mike
I came here today and much to my suprise. What a really nice post you put up and no I do not have a wife but I have a friend who I will give a call to right now.
Thank you Mike
Rosa T

Anonymous said...

First i have to start off by saying i have been honored to ow Madelaine now for what ummmmmmmm about 20 years... I have seen a stength in a woman that is amazing...throug the years i know her .. i have seen her crazy side ( and yes she hhas a witty sense of humor and can cause trouble) her sensitive and caring side , she helped me trough many problems, i hhave watched her be a wife to Mike .. a mother to her son and a friend to so many...Shhe hhas also faught for this disease and for the people who suffer from it... Madelaine im definitely honored to call her a friend...
I dont have a Madelaine but i have a best friend who supports me in more ways then possible.. who stands by me and pushes me to keep going and is the world to me....for that i am very grateful
Michael you and Madelaine are very lucky to have each other.. you give each other so much

Love to all
Carol

Anonymous said...

WOW and thanks boot

you make it all worthwhile

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I do not know you or your wife personally. I know your story for years and you have been an inspiration to me in many ways. I have seen your wife here and there on the television and saw Richard Simmons come down on her, which I felt was wrong and he did not know what he was saying. Obviously she had to be and is a special woman. We should all be as lucky. My signifcant other yells at me, puts me down and even calls me horrible names and I am only 50 pounds over weight.
What a tribute you have given your wife and you have also given me hope that there are better people out there than what I have in my life.
Tell Madelaine she is a wonderful person and there are many people out here who love her.
Linda P Ohio

Anonymous said...

Mike,
Thanks for such a lovely post. I feel the same way about my husband. I agree that you truly need a kindred soul of some sort in order to climb through life..whether it's a spouse, friend, or otherwise. We simply need understanding and support that can only be obtained from some kind of life partner. I love the adoring way you speak of your wife, and how you can stand back objectively and realize how incredible she is as an individual and interacting with society in her career. Marriage is about loving the person for not only how they are with you but how they are as they face the world from day to day. You are lucky to have such a treasure, and she is lucky to have you as well. You just made my day much brighter by reminding me to step back and be thankful for those in my life that care and selflessly offer love and support every day.

ML in CT

Kathy said...

It is really great to hear from you again, Mike. We have all been worried about you.

Anonymous said...

Mike
nice blog and good message. I see what you are saying even past the acclamations that you are giving to your wife. Support is so important.. You are lucky to have such a special support person around you. My support person you would think should be my wife but she is not. I have to look elsewhere and I do. I have found two people who have been there for me one is a guy and one is a gal. I could not be here if it weren't for Jimmy Boy and Kelly.
Thanks for givng some recognition to those people behind the people who are in need.
Gerald H. Colorado

Anonymous said...

Michael
Yu never seem to stop to amaze me. I love all you right and this posting is no different. You motivatee, get me to think and move me all the time. Thankss
Roberta D. Tx.

Genna said...

Man I wish my husband even thought an inch of that as you think of your woman. But I get what you all are saying. I got to get a friend, some one to trust okay I will
Genna

Anonymous said...

You ask in th Poll question if I have someone to depend on and I wish I did. I actually did at one time but I lost her. She was my best friend and my soul mate but was taken from me. It is a lonely life when you look into the past all the time then look into the present and realize something or some one is missing.
Nate

Anonymous said...

Mike this blog has done so much for me and I would love to meet that wife of yours. Does she cheat?
Sam Davis

Anonymous said...

How do you come up with your blogs? I was just telleing some girlfriends how important they were in my life and they were my Rock.
Dee L.

Anonymous said...

Please email or call me. I absolutely understand, and think you are both amazing. Your story makes me weep, just cos I know - I really know. But, I may just be the other side....

Anonymous said...

My wife is like yours. She is my rock and without her I couldn''t be here today. Rae, you are my everything and I dont love you because you are my caregiver. Remember I loved you way before I ever physically needed you. Thank You Rae Watson for being my wife
Charlie

Anonymous said...

I only wish I had a person to depend on. A perrson who could help me and I in return help them. I dont know why some are more luckier than others. Maybe they worked on it harder.
Paul W. Brady

Anonymous said...

My Wife blog is one of the most un/selfish writings I have ever seen. You are a grateful man who is not ashamed to express yourself. Wow didnt think there were any of you left.
Cora

beads said...

I just read your post ,it is truly said . There are not many people like Madelainein this world . Generous caring and loving . We are all lucky to have her in our life .... <3

Anonymous said...

Madelaine
What is your opinion of your husband? What have you got to say? How is it from your voice? Talk to us.
Susan Thompson

Anonymous said...

I was inspired to read this blog. I realize that you Mike are a pretyy powerful guy and like most powerful guys it takes a special woman to be the real story. Thanks for sharing this
Cindi Lyman

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
You have been someone who has inspired me through your successful bouts and even through your struggles. One of the reasons is because you put yourself out there and you telll it like it is. You never hide the God honest hard truth and you give credit to those who have helped you including this greaat woman of your wife. Thank you and God bless you through your journey.

Billie

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Great blog and message of respect to those who stand behind us. None oof us can do this alone. Thanks for the help
Julia

Anonymous said...

Do you hate those who have abused you in your your life or made fun of you. I want to put this question out there..
Laura Quinn

Anonymous said...

This is truly beautiful. You consider yourself fortunate to have her, but she is also fortunate to have you. Have a happy and healthy life.

-Deanna

Anonymous said...

Mike we need a new message, please.

Anonymous said...

I have always gotten such enlightment from this blog spot. This spot has helped me keep my head above water. I enjoy the things you have to say. Can you write more often?
Georgia

Kathy said...

I just want you to know that I am thinking about you Mike. I check in from time to time looking for you. I hope you are doing okay. I pray your health is good.

Unknown said...

I am writing from Italy. We are preparing a new edition of the Guinness World Record - TV Show. The show will be recorded iin Milan, Italy in March 2011.We are very interested to you and your story. We would like to have you in our programme for an interview. If you could travel to Italy , it would begreat . Please let me know in any case if you are interested or not. My email is : maxriccio11@gmail.com
Thanks,
Massimo Ciccioriccio

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
Very needed blog I just needed to read that and get it into my head. Thanks for sheading the light on the obvious.
Marie

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I love coming here I get so much and even reading it over and over helps me. Yet I could use some new stuff. I love reading what you have to offer. I hope all is well.
June Basset Harrington

Anonymous said...

I agree with the most recent comments, we hope you're doing ok and would love to hear from ya!

ML in CT

Kathy said...

Hi Mike. Just wanted to say happy holidays and still thinking about you. I lost your E-mail address when I changed computers, so I come here to tell you that you're still in my thoughts and my prayers.

senorziltox said...

don't know if your checking this blogspot anymore, but I just saw a commercial this evening that had the song "head,shoulders,knees, and toes"!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Hebranko

I live in England and we get programmes on TV and no follow ups or news of how people are doing. After having just watched on video the episode of 'Half Ton Hospital' with you on I am so glad you are still with us. I read in the English newspapers about you when you had lost weight and then put it on again: I too have done the same though I now weigh 17 and a half stone which may not seem alot. Over the years of being overweight I have damaged my body as I have Osteoarthritis in my spine, hands and knees, high blood pressure and get out of breath easily. All this is down to me and if I don't change my health will get worse. I know this but something is stopping me continuing exercising and keeping my portion size down, I don't eat a lot of sweet things, my downfall is big portion sizes and boredom.

Enough of my rambling on about me, I just wanted to say I'm so glad ur still with us as I was worried about you and your family.
Thank you so much for your inspiration
Gayle H England

Anonymous said...

I just read a story about you in The Daily Mail. A lot of people are saying your wife is a feeder. I hopenot.