Carly Findlay

Writer, speaker, appearance activist. Loving life!

  • About me
  • Say Hello – my book
  • Hire me!
  • Support Me
  • Contact
  • What is Ichthyosis?
  • Ichthyosis + appearance diversity resources
  • Disclaimer
  • Shop
  • Guest post contribution guidelines
  • Growing Up Disabled in Australia

The wind beneath my wings

April 26, 2015 Carly Findlay Leave a Comment

 

One Saturday night earlier this month, Adam and I went to his parents’ house for dinner. My mum was there too. Our mothers are around the same age and have similar music tastes – Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lionel Ritchie, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell. His mum played Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings – which I came to know through Beaches, which I’ve watched many times since I was nine years old. I dramatically serenaded Adam (twice), moving my arms to simulate wings, and pointing at him during the “you, you, you’s”. Pretty sure he had cold feet about our wedding! Just kidding. It’s still happening.

I listened to the song again the next day, taking in the lyrics:

“It might have appeared to go unnoticed, but I’ve got it all here in my heart.

I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.

I would be nothing without you.”

And it occurred to me that Adam is indeed the wind beneath my wings.Not in the “walking a step behind” me way that Bette sings about. But in the supportive way. Because we walk together.

And I don’t want him to be the beautiful face without a name – I want everyone to know his name and how wonderful he is (well, as much as he is comfortable with – I never want to compromise his integrity or privacy online, and always ask him permission to post or run updates and blog drafts by him). When we were at Layne Beachley’s fundraiser last month, she introduced herself to him, saying she knew who he is as he’s famous on the internet, and he looked so chuffed.

Before I’d even met Adam, I wondered how I’d have time to have a boyfriend. When would I fit it all in? How could I do all the things I wanted to and commit to a lover? I was Miss Independent.

But pretty soon, I found out I can have it both – a loving, busy relationship and my independence. And looking back on these almost 18 months, I’ve managed to do so much – buoyed by Adam. I am thankful.

Now, I am busier than ever. I attribute my achievements to his love and support. While I put in the work – writing and preparing and promoting and talking – he gives me the time and confidence to do this.

This man is the most supportive, interested, generous, proud partner I could ever wish for. As I write this, he’s given up his Sunday to make a chalkboard for the Ichthyosis meet. He comes to see me talk and gets involved in things that I do. Last month he drove me on a three hour round trip on a weeknight so I could speak at an event. He came to the event – the only man among 30 women – mingling and laughing along. Amazing.

I hope that I’m as equally supportive and nurturing of him. I try. Every day I see something more to love about him. He’s come out of his shell so much – his confidence is soaring. I am so proud of him.

We were talking about the good things we in our relationship. We agreed that one of the best things about it is being able to be ourselves, with each other’s support. I honestly think we’ve found each other which has meant finding ourselves.

 

Share this:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

love, Uncategorized

Comments

  1. Faux Fuchsia says

    April 26, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    what a lovely post x

    Log in to Reply
  2. Amy HandbagMafia says

    April 26, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    This is such a lovely post- I'm glad you have such a great partner, it makes all the difference.

    Log in to Reply
  3. Iliska Dreams says

    April 27, 2015 at 11:02 am

    You are lucky than most people, you have truly found a "partner".

    Log in to Reply
  4. anna langley-smith says

    January 12, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    A beautifully written piece; thank you for sharing with us Carly. Much happiness to you both in your lives together. 😊

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Socials

  • View tune.into.radio.carly’s profile on Facebook
  • View @carlyfindlay’s profile on Twitter
  • View carlyfindlay’s profile on Instagram
  • View sqoggle’s profile on YouTube

Book me to speak

Sign up for some love in your inbox

Listen to my podcast

Tune in

Enter your email address to receive new posts by email.

Archives

Popular Posts

  • Dear disabled friend on International Day of People with Disability 2021
  • What's with the image descriptions on my social media posts?
  • Interview with Beth Bradfield from Malory Towers
  • Six at Best - Eddie Perfect - Offspring
  • The death of Offspring's Dr Patrick Reid. The TV death that stopped a nation.
  • July is Disability Pride Month
  • Stop praying for and exploiting disabled children and adults on Facebook.
  • Ichthyosis and exercise
  • Appearance Diversity: Jess's story. "People still stop on the street to stare at me, and to make comments about my physique."
  • Coke is my washing machine miracle - it de-greases clothes and the machine.

Copyright

The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright. The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay. This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'. The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about. Where stared, I use affiliate links on this blog. By clicking them, I receive a small percentage of the purchase.

Copyright © 2022 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.