I never expected my life to change so quickly. One week after giving birth to my daughter, Lily, everything shifted. When the stroke began, my first thoughts weren’t about myself—they were about my two older kids. I knew they would be confused and scared, and all I could do was pray that they wouldn’t worry about me. God answered that prayer quickly. My family stepped in and surrounded them with comfort, play, and reassurance. I wasn’t afraid for myself. I just wanted my children to be okay.
The hardest moment came when I was transferred to the inpatient rehabilitation facility. That was when the reality finally settled in. I remember thinking, “This is real; now I have to figure out how to live with whatever comes next.” It was also the first time since the stroke that I was truly alone. Family and friends visited during the day, but at night, it was just me and the quiet. I gave myself a short time to grieve the life I had before—the certainty, the plans—and then I knew it was time to move forward. If God had allowed me to still be here, then He had a purpose for it.
Through it all, I felt God’s presence so clearly. I had a deep peace even in the scariest moments. I knew God was with me, and that even if I was paralyzed, He would carry me through. I saw His love in every person who stepped in to help—those who sat with me in the hospital, watched my kids, brought food, prayed, encouraged, and cared for every need. God’s fingerprints were everywhere.
What carried me through spiritually was simple but powerful: reading my Bible, praying, and allowing others to help me. God speaks so tenderly through His Word, especially in the Psalms. Laying my heart at His feet brought a peace I can’t fully explain. My family and friends carried me in ways they didn’t even realize.
If people see anything through my story, I hope they see this: no matter what happens, God is always there. He provides exactly what we need, even if it looks different from what we imagined. He loves us deeply—so deeply He gave His life for us. What do we have left to fear?
My walk with God in this season is still growing and changing every day. The more He carries me, the more I want to know Him—and the more amazed I am by His love.
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