The Middle

My first thought was that had no business starting this blog and to be honest, who would really car? My wife suffers from Endometriosis, a condition in which endometrial cells are deposited in areas outside the uterine cavity. It affects roughly 5% to 10% of women and is typically seen during a woman's reproductive years. The main and most common side effect is intense, sharp, pelvic pain. That's the clinical, the Wikipedia stuff.

Here's the hard part. Obviously, only women are affected by this condition and as a man it is hard to understand the question that drives most men. How? As in, how do I fix this? I have never in my life felt so powerless and utterly incompetent when my wife is lying in the fetal position, crying her eyes out from the severe pain shooting from her pelvis. I can do nothing but gently rub her back and kiss her shoulder blades as she questions life, faith, God, and the question that drives most women. Why? As in, why is this happening to me?

I wanted to document the other side of this condition. I cannot use my wife's words to describe how she is affected by Endometriosis but I can describe how her suffering affects me. My goal is to ensure I never come off as condescending or any way demeaning with regards to this experience. Expect ignorance and frustration. Expect me to go on and on about my desire to just find a cure or solution. Expect to hear me pray that God just gives me a glimpse into her suffering so that I can better empathize with the woman who understands me better than anyone in the world.

This blog is dedicated to any and everyone who has had to stand by and watch as a love one endures alone. This blog is for anyone who has shaken their head in disbelief as a doctor informs your friend or family that there's really nothing that can be done.

These are the intimate and uncensored thoughts of a man who believes and loves God, loves his wife and family, and understands (but will never except) that answers are not always readily available for life's dilemmas.

This is me... Loving Melissa...