Guest Blogger: Michael Bohon, the Man
Michael & me
I’ve offered to guest host Serenity’s blog a few times, mostly in jest (she doesn’t trust me with good reason), but I finally decided that I should really take a shot at it. Seren, I promise to behave myself. What’s the worst that could happen to me, right? I mean, it’s not like she has a bunch of writers on here, critiquing my every word.
I’ll preface my post by acknowledging that I could not be more out of my element than right at this moment. I am akin to a fish that is waterless. However, given my present lack of good judgment, I will press on. I am a supreme novice when it comes to the world of blogging, although I do think I understand its most basic concepts. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, I’m writing this more for Serenity than anyone else, but I also realize that my topic of choice could not be more commonly shared by so many people. So, all of the writers that are logging in, I kindly thank you in advance for keeping your editorial comments to yourself. All non-writers, don’t even think about it.
I, like most men, am not a complex creature. I have a few hobbies, things that I’m interested in, but nothing all that fascinating. I think about things: Religion, politics, will the Tigers stay in the Big 12? But that doesn’t mean I have an overwhelming urge, or even an underwhelming urge, to share those thoughts with anyone. I have friends, although I’m not sure they know that. I have things I want to accomplish in life, and even though it may take me longer than I thought, I’ll get there. I’m just your average, run of the mill guy who married a hot chick way out of his league.
My life is arranged simply: God, my wife, my kids, family, friends, and Clay (my Lab - last but not necessarily least). That’s it. If I find myself giving more importance to things other than what’s on my list, it’s time to stop and reevaluate. I don’t like things complicated, I want to keep it simple. And for those who really know Serenity, I’m sure you’re laughing right now. Yeah, complete awareness of the one you marry - did not have it.
On June 16, 2005, my simple life got messed with. Cancer. Seren and I had been thinking about our third child that would arrive in 8 months, and now we were wondering if she would even live that long. What do you do when everything you’ve been given, even life itself, is being threatened? Well, you live. I couldn’t be more proud of how Serenity made the decision that she was going to live, for however long that might be. And over the last five years, we’ve tasted the bitter and the sweet that life has to offer, and we’ve kept putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes we were taking steps into what seemed like a great unknown, not sure if there was going to be solid ground under our feet when they landed, but we always seemed to find our way. Our faith was tested time after time. And if we stumbled, there were always friends and family members around to help us along. I’m not suggesting that Serenity beat cancer because of our faith in God, but I will tell you, we’ve lived because of our faith in God. And however many days we are given, we’ll live.
So Seren, thanks for not leaving me. When I wake up early in the mornings, I’m very grateful that you are still lying next to me in bed - then I get up, go pee, and go back to sleep - stupid diet coke right before bed.