Stanford Strong

 July 31, 2024 Hard to believe it's been 25 years since Chris and I got married.  We were such babies back then and had no idea the ride we would embark on since that day.  I feel like we've lived more life in 25 years than some do in a lifetime.  We have moved 7 times, 4 different states, and 2 different countries.  Each time a new adventure that we looked forward to the new experiences and people we would meet.  We both put ourselves back to school to get our master's degrees while navigating life with work and children.  We had 3 beautiful children that I've been proud to watch grow.  Being a mom is one of my most favorite things and could not be happier with the family we have created together.  We've also experienced such profound loss and grief mixed in through the years, especially the last 5.  Some days I wonder how we are still standing, but we continue to push through and make it through another day always hoping that things will improve and life will be a

  A surprising sadness that has come with the fall out of spinal cord injury and its effect on our lives is how those closest to me have responded.     I’ve always tried to be a nurturer and someone that people can come to for support.     When I need it most, it seems no one is there but 1 consistent person.     I’ve even told at least 5 people that I have been struggling significantly and feel like those words just get left hanging in the air without actions that I would have provided my closest or even a stranger when presented with the same wording something more than “I’m sorry”.      It makes me question relationships and people in my life.     I don’t need a pat on the back, but simply time from others occasionally.     I feel so alone to deal with this life and at times it is so overwhelming I question if it is worth it.     I used to feel like this feeling was selfish and an easy way out.     It still is selfish because what would be left would burden the ones, I’ve been tryin