I would like to say, publicly, thank you to Mr Legs, my husband and my carer because no man could have cared more. I know I have held him back at times because I am unable to do some of the things we would have done if I was not a rheumatoid and I am sorry for that. We've had bad times when we both get frustrated but on whole we live within the boundaries of my illness and are very happy just to be together.
We were married for 7 years before I was struck down and we celebrate our 38th year next month. We have 2 super sons and their wives and 3 lovely grandchildren so I want to thank Steven from the whole of my heart for staying with me and still loving me as I do him.

Love,
Comments
This is such a lovely post I really felt the need to reply and say:
Here Here!!!
Moderator Ellen
Julian of Norwich
XX Aidan
My arthritis was gently knocking at the door when we married and Mr DD has steadfastly been by my side ever since. I still feel that this disease is my burden but he says no, it's ours because we both live with it. I know I would feel the same if the boot were on the other foot but I still find it hard to accept. Daft or what? (Mind you, I'm an only child and not used to sharing anything
For those of you on here who are coping alone, for whatever reason, I say this: we may not 'know' you as such but we care and I hope you know we do. DD
My OH and have notched up 44 years now - he is my soul-mate & my best friend. When I was diagnosed several years ago now, he came with me to all my appointments, where the medics always referred to him as my 'principal carer which used to really annoy me - mostly because I felt it implied I was destined to sit around totally dependent on him for the rest of my life. If it's mentioned at all these days, I simply say 'He's my husband who cares.'
We too have two wonderful sons, and two delightful grandsons, but in my head I still see us as the young couple who set out on our lives together full of joy, optimism and love, and I am truly blessed he is still my rock.
I guess I have to stick up for mine, don't I? But, if I were to be remotely sentimental or sloppy, he'd have me certified on the spot - with my approval.
I'd had RA for at least three years when we met and seven when we married. With RA, as with marriage, no-one really knows what they're getting into and with RA, as with marriage, we were both full of the blithe optimism of youth. We were both sure they'd find a cure in a few years – for RA, that is, not marriage
If he had 5p for every button, zip and shoe-fastening he's ever done up or undone for me and a tad more for every time he's lowered me onto and lifted me up from low loos, we'd be moving to some tax haven now rather than the Scottish Borders. He's done things for me which would have made him (not just me) blush when we first married but then, in gratitude for that, I shall draw a discreet veil over that New Years Eve party a few years ago
I guess it just has to be love, doesn't it?
The thought that virtual hugs, concern for one's difficulties, support and encouragement, are out there in the ether is immensely comforting. It is I suppose a modern form of the prayer requests and groups that churches have.
And SW I love it...
Barbara
These are all wonderful tributes and very heartwarming to read.
There are not just our spouses in all of this, though, but help from other family members, friends and even the kindness of strangers.
I always accept help when offered because sometimes, with people who don't know us, they can wonder whether we'll be offended. So from the offer of a seat given up to the reaching of something from a top/bottom shelf in a supermarket (I can only reach the middle shelves :roll: ) I'm always grateful.
Thank you to all those people too.
Love,
'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
Surely we have all learned, over the years, to get on with things as best we can and to make the best of what we have but I agree that we must not forget the contribution, help and support of others to help us do what we do. DD