“The reality that this child was now my responsibility and would be staying for an indefinite amount of time started to set in. This was it. I was a mom! That night I cried happy tears once as I watched this little girl sleep in the room next to mine.”
“I was able to charge my cellphone and turn it on. When I did, I was flooded with voicemails. Earlier that day, the levees broke. Water inundated the city. Parts of the city were on fire. People were drowning. It seemed like New Orleans had fallen.”
“A year ago yesterday, this box was an empty Amazon delivery box waiting to be recycled. You were loved by all that knew you, but somehow didn’t love yourself. I pray I will see you again.”
“I had more and more difficulties performing physical functions. I couldn’t keep my balance. ‘Maybe I had too many concussions.’ I felt defeated thinking about all the things I wouldn’t be able to do with my wife and kids.”
“He told me it was okay to walk away, that he wouldn’t think any less of me. This was something I didn’t sign up for. The first words out of my mouth were, ‘You’re not getting rid of me that easily.’ I’d waited 27 years of my life to find a love like this.”
“Her medical team was alarmed and upset. ‘You CAN’T leave. She needs to be here. I’ll write to whomever I need to for her to stay.’ We watched as she regressed.”
“I lost over 20 pounds and had severe pain. I was admitted to the hospital. ‘Why is this happening to me? I should be out with friends, not in pain.’ I only got worse.”
“But seeing his smile when the concept clicks will be the most rewarding win you’ve ever experienced. Please, I beg you, never stop trying.”
“I can tell, behind her mask, she is smiling too. And I think, just for a moment, I made the right choice.”
“My braces grew taller, and eventually reached my thighs. I still recall each time I got a new pair and had to ‘break them in.’ I’d pace our living room till the sweat dripped and tears rolled. With each shaky step, I’d chant, ‘I want, I can.’”
