My husband’s colonoscopy was excellent for our marriage. How could that be possible? I was anxious for a few days before the procedure, especially considering that he would need to fast for 24 hours prior. My husband with no food is no fun at all.

For the last few months’ things have been rough. Marriage is that way, rolling hills of happiness and contentment mixed with more pronounced cliffs of challenge and frustration. We’ve been in the steep cliff zone for some time now, new baby, grief, work stress, will do that to a team.

So when I read the prep instructions and realized there was a fasting period I thought, perfect, this will make for a good week. I battened down the hatches and prepped for solo care of our child and for a crabby version of the man I married. I was totally caught off guard when not only was he happy, he seemed emotionally lighter (sorry, this word works best). He was sweet, sincere and 100% less combative than he has been for months.

I marveled at him and said, “Wow, you should fast more often”. He laughed but I continued, “Seriously, I think that you’ve cleaned out more than your colon in prep for this. Maybe there was something stuck in your gut that needed to get out.” He looked dubious and said only, “I’m just too weak to resist”.

Whatever the cause, the prep for the colonoscopy reconnected us. I saw a glimpse of us as the more carefree couple we can sometimes be. Next time we hit a sticking point in our relationship, I am going to suggest a fast.