Posted by Serenity in Faith, family, things I love | 19 Comments
Guest Blogger: Michael Bohon, the Man
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.
Michael, THANK YOU! Reminding anyone to LIVE during the harrowing times of our lives is the best advice we can receive. You guys set a pretty good example of how it is to be done too, and God blessed–as usual. Not because of anything you did, but just cause He loves you–Jake is the best bonus I could think of :)
Welcome to the blog, Michael. And I love that you BOTH decided to live. (Seren, there’s a Nichole Nordeman song for that too…)
Katie, which one are you thinking of? I surely know it, but it’s not coming to mind…. Legacy maybe?
HA! Michael, you are awesome. I’m also concerned about the Tigers and frustrated with the effects of Diet Coke, but, most of all, it is fun to share one of my favorite people with you. I read a tweet (have Seren explain what that is) yesterday where one person was recommending that we tweeters follow another person. The reason he gave was this: he’s the right guy. That’s how I feel about you – you’re the right guy.
He’s a keeper!
It is REALLY a good thing you put in the Diet Coke part. I was a puddle of tears at my desk, and you rescued me from totally dissolving. Of course, then I was laughing AND crying, which is not very professional.
Thanks for writing. And for living. And for walking up on the porch that day to marry Serenity Beth. And for multiplying your self in those three tremendous boys.
Michael. You.are.awesomeness.
Our email correspondence has been EXACTLY what I needed at the time it was sent/received, and I’ve always thought, out loud, I love him, and the way he expresses himself with written word. Just how I feel about Seren, you know, that hot chick you married that you fell in love with at the age of….what was it ten?
I love this guest blogging from you, there are a thousand posts from Seren that I’ve mentally earmarked “my favorite”, this goes in that list.
Oh these Bohons….they make my world so colorful and warm.
Mike ,
If you are a guest blogger then I will take a crack at guest commenting. Now I know you said don’t even think about it, however I am only going to be supportive and encouraging. You know things that come naturally to men. Anyway even if I wanted to be critical of your grammar, syntax, or some other writer type word I simply would not know what I was talking about. What I am longwindedly attempting to communicate is that, despite the fact that you are a total caveman your blogging skills rock.
Fellow Caveman
Mark
Michael, great post. You are a good man, my friend. You guys have lived some life, and God’s been good, huh?
Only one thing I’d like to critique in your writing – the “go pee” issue you mention. Now, I’m confused as to whether you mean “go” as in to travel somewhere in order to pee, or “go” as in to remain where you are, but make the effort to accomplish the act of peeing. I don’t know that this ambiguity really took anything away from the overall sense of your post, though. I think it’s okay. Really, I do. Good job. Ha!
A perfectly beautiful post … thanks Michael!
Serenity, you’ll have to have Michael guest blog more often! Such a wonderful post! Especially the part about you both choosing to live. I’m so glad you did!
<3!
Oh my goodness, Michael Bohon! I’m amazed by the beautiful life pearl that you chose to let the hideous cancer oyster produce.
Love you guys!
The Nichole song is actually called “Live.” You know the one. The chorus goes, “You make me want to live…you make me want to live. You came to shake us and to wake us up to something more than we’d always settled for. And you make me want to live.” It’s a good one. It’s on the Brave CD. I kind of like Nichole.
Anywho, I love this post. I love getting a glimpse of your experience from Michael’s perspective. I had to laugh at how basic his description of a guy’s interests are because he is so telling the truth. My husband is right there. Complete with the lab, KC (named for the KC Chiefs). I am impressed by Michael’s willingness to share so publicly with us, and for his honesty. He just might be as impressive as you let on, Serenity!
Well, I have been informed by my wife that I must respond to comments. Man, what’s with all the rules? Actually, I do want to thank you all for your kind words and encouragement, it’s been fun. Most of all, thank you for being a part of Serenity’s world. She loves to write, and I know she would continue to do so if no one was reading, but it’s nice to know she has friends out there to share with.
Michael, I love you for doing this (and for saying I’m hot). And I love all of you for commenting. Mark, you rock for coming out of the cave for this. And, Harold, you had the guts to attack his grammar (he does indeed leave the bed to pee, but you also said he’s a great man – and that meant the world to me. Felic, I love that “right guy” thing. Thanks for saying that too. You’re all gems, and I’m lucky to have you reading.
Also to Katie and Valerie, I popped that song in today. I’m not as familiar with her Brave CD – thanks for pointing out that song.
Diet Coke??? Yeah right. At your age, sounds like a prostate problem to me. Better get that looked at! Mary’ll do it, no charge. She needs the practice. Wait, as her business manager, I must inform you there will be a nominal fee.
Wow. You know, I had high expectations for this post and yet they were exceeded. You’re just how I pictured you! Frank, funny, warm.
Thank you for introducing yourself and sharing what it was like to be there for Seren during The Cancer.
Also thank you for sharing that bit about Diet Coke…
Michael Bohon – you rock! I love your post! Just like your wonderful mother-in-law’s reaction — you made me cry and then of course, laugh! What a gift you are to that amazing wife of yours and to your incredible boys — and to all of us who read what you wrote! Thanks to both you and Seren for choosing to “live”. Your choices affected – and still affect — all of us who know and love you!
Wow. I am so glad that I decided to randomly check my blog today and catch up on Seren’s site. This reminds me how blessed I am to spend time with and talk to such a dear friend who means the world to me. :)
Also, this was excellent writing! People make fun of me for “critiquing” them, but seriously, this was faultless. I hope you make another guest appearance soon. (And I mean that not because of your writing skills…the content was excellent as well!)