Valentine’s Day is not an official holiday, but it’s one of the most popular days of the year to celebrate the people you love. Today is an extra special day for me because I get to honor my best friend, the mother of my children, my partner in life, and my beautiful wife, Allison.
Not only is it Valentine’s Day, but it’s also my sweetheart’s Birthday… and there’s nothing sweeter to me than the love and friendship that we share. Many tell me I'm lucky that I can knock out two holidays on the same day, but let me tell you how lucky I am to have Allison as my Valentine, wife, and now care partner.
Allison is the embodiment of showing "agape" love. Agape love is the highest form of intimacy. It is love combined with empathy and it is sacrificial.
Allison got to see a glimpse of our future when she witnessed my mom’s battle with VCP disease. It didn’t scare her away and it isn’t easy for her. She is now experiencing my struggles with the disease. I’m so grateful that Allison continues to choose me for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.
I confess I’ve always been a pain in the rear. As my disease progresses, I frequently lose my cool and get frustrated. There are times that I know that Allison would like to tell me to "shove it"; but I'm thankful for her unconditional love… and, I don't take her and her love for granted.
Allison is the driving force for the Cure VCP Disease organization. Her tireless efforts and commitment to finding treatments and a cure for VCP disease are second to none.
I worry about what lies ahead for Allison and find comfort in knowing that she has YOU to lean on. One day I will lose my independence and will be reliant on her compassion. Being a care partner is hard and exhausting. I remain forever grateful.
To all the care partners out there, you are the true example of love, and I wish you a very special Valentine's Day!
And if you don't mind, please join me in wishing my sweet Valentine, Allison, a very Happy Birthday!
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Birthday to Allison! I love her tremendously and feel very blessed to be her life partner.
Here’s to a day filled with love and gratitude!
With Hope,
Nathan Peck
VCP Patient & Cure VCP Disease, Founder and CEO
E-mail: nathan@curevcp.org
Phone: 229-410-9573