When Rich suggested that we both write, on one site, about our journey with melanoma I had to think about it for a little while. I’m looking forward to it but I’m still a I’m still a little unsure where this will take us. When he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, on that afternoon in August of 2018, both of our lives were instantly affected but somehow it feels selfish to talk about my side of this when Rich is the one who has melanoma. Also, I tend to write from my heart and one of my concerns was that I would have to censor my writing if we were both sharing our thoughts publicly. If that were to happen then that would not be keeping things real for those who are reading.
After talking with Rich about my concerns, I realized that Rich was right. I have read stories written by patients and I have read stories written by their loved ones but I have never read two sides of the same journey. My story is very different from Rich’s yet we are on this journey together. I’m doing this with him because in doing so our stories can come together and others can see the whole journey.
I don’t know how many times we will go to the moon and back but I do know that we will be traveling together the entire way. My love for Rich extends on and on forever. I love him to the moon and back and I would do anything for him not to have to go through this. One thing I do know is that wherever his story goes mine will be right beside it.