Constant and Consistant - underrated virtues

This is a post - that I never published from 2 years ago. 

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A little over a year ago we found out that Chad has cancer. It is big, scary and very little we can do in our humanness to change that. There were treatments and plans and as each one was pursued, we adjusted to it. The one he is on now, is working longer than we expected. When he went on this medication, I remember saying, as I often do. "What if it doesn't work long." His reply was, as it always is "It will work until it doesn't." I would reply, "But then what?".  

Through our almost 30 years of marriage, I have never appreciated Chad's ability to be constant in all situations or his consistency as much as I have in seeing his approach to life, until death.I remember wondering how this would affect him, how would he choose to live out the end of his life? I might have been a bit frustrated at his response, because, if ever there is life changing information it is "you life expectancy is 'months'." But my husband, after careful thought and consideration and many opportunities to change his mind consistently says the same thing "I'm a Christian, I am living life the way I believe I'm supposed to be and I don't feel the need to change things." He chooses to still work, to a level that he is in the process of getting a promotion. He chooses to play games with me, even when he doesn't feel the greatest. He chooses to participate in small group and other social activities. He isn't changing. He isn't choosing to be different, he is constant. 

Constant and Consistent are comforting virtues. They make you realize how much you can trust and rely on that person. You know who they are because even being shook to the core and told you are dying, doesn't change who they are or how they operate in daily life. 

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With the exception that in the past year, Chad has been to tired to continue to play games and engage socially outside of work, he remains constant and consistent. He says he is "living past his expiration date".  Over these 3 years, we have turned 50 (now 52) celebrated 31 years of marriage, seen our daughter get married and start her life as a Mrs. Watched our son move away (again) and find his future bride. We will celebrate their new beginning together on Sept. 14, 2025. Chad will be able to attend. We continue to count our blessings and I continue to see the virtue in constant and consistent living. I have loved this man for over 33 years. I have had moments where his constant and consistent behavior was a thorn to me, and my desire to change things, but I see how in the right moment, at the right time - that unwavering attitude can bring comfort to chaos.