Quote taken from doctorial thesis acknowledgements page.

Diagnosed away from home. Away from family. But we had to stay. He had to finish his degree, write his thesis and graduate. I’d hear no arguments otherwise.

Treatments came with a mastectomy; chemo with mid-night cold towels, change of sheets, washing of the bucket, coaxing of the food: radiation drives every morning; appointments upon appointments. Overwhelming fragility, frustration, and shock. He was my rock – without him it was too much. 

I finished treatment. He finished school. And in his thesis dedication, before academics, family and the world: he thanks me for for the support? I guess true love is like a mirror, we shine it onto each other and it comes bouncing right back. 

I helped him find the light … Even to this day, the idea makes me both smile and cry.