For the last three weeks, I have been embroiled in an extreme family emergency that has completely consumed my life. I have not been to work since July 16th, I have been back and forth to Brooklyn over a dozen times, I have lost income – and worst of all – I have slept a total of two hours a night – with this column being proof of that fact since it is being written at 5:20 in the morning. But while this has been happening, there has been one silver lining in this very, very dark cloud…

…my Julie.

We just got married 48 days ago, and already – she unfortunately has had no choice but to prove her commitment of “in sickness and in health” and “for better or for worse” – and I must tell you that she has done an exemplary job.

From wiping away my tears, to assisting in making the situation easier – to traveling with me six hours a day back and forth to Brooklyn – she has never once complained. In fact, she has gone above and beyond her call of duty as my wife. This is no way at all to start a marriage, but without question – she has been there every step of the way.

I am completely physically and mentally burnt out by this horrible ordeal, and so is my sister – but Julie has been an absolute rock through this whole issue. Not once has she flipped out, lost her cool – or told me to deal with it myself – but instead, she has been there every step of the way. I can honestly say that no other woman I have ever been with as a girlfriend, fiancée – or wife – would have stepped up to the plate and done what she has done. Even though our marriage started out on a sad note because of this situation – she has been all smiles and in full support mode through this very difficult time – and when I told her that I would make this up to her one day – she told me that is not necessary…

…which is proof that I picked one heck of a woman to be my wife – and that I made the absolute right decision in doing so.

I have no idea when this personal family situation will end – or when I can get back to the normal existence I had before this began. But the one thing I am sure of is that Julie will be there for me. It has been very hard for me to deal with this – but thanks to Julie – it has been – and will be – a little bit easier.

Thank you sweetheart.