mariah carey and nick cannonMariah Carey's one celeb I could see wanting to wish 2011 good riddance, since it was definitely a wild ride for her. Sure, she gave birth to twins Moroccan and Monroe, but she also battled gestational diabetes and a slew of other health issues. Now, it looks like 2012 is already shaping up to be stressful in that realm for the singer. She tweeted this morning that hubby Nick Cannon suffered "mild kidney failure," sending out a pic of the two together in a hospital bed in Aspen, where they've been vacationing for the holidays with the twins. Eeesh, poor guy!!

Mariah wrote, "This is us in the hospital - role reversal. Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are." Celebrities: They're just like us -- and have to nurse one another through sickness! 

No, but seriously, it's sweet to see that Mariah gets it ... She also tweeted:

We’re trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful ... They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am pon de bed with Mr. C.

Taking care of your significant other in their darkest time -- or a really tough time -- even if you have to fight to be by their side is so important. Because being on the receiving end of that kind of support from a partner is incredibly therapeutic and morale-boosting.

When I was going through the most excruciating chronic pain of my life, my boyfriend held my hand -- before, during, and after I had spinal surgery. I'll never forget that, and I swear his support helped me heal, perhaps even just by making me feel more comforted and confident that I would heal. And I can totally relate to the "role reversal" Mariah's talking about. We've found ourselves taking turns taking care of one another through all different sorts of ailments.

I'm sure Nick knows how lucky he is to have his wife by his side, just like he was by hers. But with hope, this kidney situation is a blip on the radar, and the couple can look forward to happy, healthy new year.

Have you experienced a particularly tough health situation your spouse/partner helped you get through?

 

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty