An extraordinary care-giver, & more.

I’ve been talking. And writing. About dear friend Julie. A whole lot. In her longtime struggle. With a drinking problem. And with depression. It’s a saga that has lasted for over a decade. But maybe. Just maybe. It’s on the road to a solution. With Julie in the early stages of rehab. With the possibility of recovery. If that happens. I’ll nominate the real hero. And it won’t necessarily be Julie. Instead, it’ll be her primary care-giver. The man who stuck by her. All these years. For better or worse. Yes, it’s husband Rick. I suspect that most husbands. Finding themselves in similar situations. Would have abandoned their spouses. And gotten on with their lives. They would have had enough of emotional turbulence and turmoil. Sure, Rick had dire moments. When he thought about walking away. But at critical times. Rick was always there. Sticking by Julie. Even when Julie didn’t appreciate his devotion. His love. Because she was too far gone. Too inebriated. Too mentally disturbed. To fully understand what was happening. Not only to herself. But to Rick. Believe me. If this love story ends happily. I’m giving most of the credit to Rick. He’s been unbelievable.  An extraordinary care-giver, and more. Yes, a true lover. --Jim Broede