I have been with my girlfriend Lauren for 3 years and 10 months. Before that, we were friends who hung out every day. Lauren opened up to me about having heart problems when we were in that friend stage. Lauren's heart problem is called "Double Outlet Right Ventricle."

So what actually is that? Well, let me sum it up for you. Normally you have two ventricles going into your heart, and two ventricles going out. This helps the oxygen and blood flow through your body. In Lauren's case, her pulmonary artery sends "bad blood" from the right ventricle into her lungs, while the aorta sends "good blood" from the left ventricle to the rest of her body.

So what is it actually like to be in a relationship with someone who has heart problems?

Well, it is so scary. When we were friends Lauren never really talked to me about her "chest" hurting. Now, I know when her heart is hurting because she rubs her chest and makes her pain face. Since we have been together, I make sure she takes her aspirin daily, and check that any over the counter medications are okay for her and won't effect her health in any way. It's so scary to even think that she has heart problems because in the blink of an eye she is in pain, and there is nothing I can do. It's scary watching someone you love in pain, and knowing that you have no control over the situation.

It really verifies how much I love her. I have been to the hospital more than 15 times within the last 3 years and 10 months of us being together. Yeah, the hospital visits are scary, but I would do anything for her. Every time she needs to go whether it be at two in the morning or at noon while I am at school or work, I am there. Like the saying goes "in sickness, and in health." I love her more than words can even describe. She is so amazing and takes my breath away with everything she does.

She inspires me on a daily basis.Lauren is going to be 22 this year and has been through so much. She had 4 open heart surgeries when she was a child. Yet, she never ceases to amaze me. She rides dirt-bikes, played softball for 16 years, goes to school full time, works and goes to the gym almost every day.

She is the type of person that when you need help, she is there even if she had a class from 5pm-1am, and has a massive headache. Lauren will pick up everything and drop it for anyone. She has had struggles like some people will never face. She isn't allowed to do things that people with normal hearts can do regularly. She is so resilient in life and it is such a beautiful thing.

When you're in a relationship with someone who has heart disease, you look at all the facts and do a ton of research to see what the future may hold. Lauren's heart will never be normal. We have, and will forever have, to take trips to the cardiologist annually. Down the road, it may have to change to every 6 months. Lauren will always have to take antibiotics before any type of dental appointment, or surgical procedures, including tattoos. But, despite this all, we are in this together. Our future together is bright, long and beautiful.