Time sure does fly. Although it seems like yesterday, it was just 5 years ago today that Suzanne rang the bell at Rush Radiology. The amount of life’s experiences we have shared in this past five years could be considered a lifetime for some individuals.

Beginning two months later with Suzanne’s surgery. Fourteen hours of waiting room time for me, but a total life-altering event for her. The mental challenge she faced with being told she would likely never eat again or be able to carry on a conversation would crush the spirit of most anyone. It was truly her faith and perseverance that brought us to where we both are today.

Over the course of the next two years, beginning with her first sip of water, she moved up the food chain, starting with nutritional drinks, moving to blended foods, to actually chewing something soft. Now, through the grace of God and the amazement of her medical team, she eats most any you and I do.

Then her speech, from the moment they removed her trach, she was determined. Frustrated at first that most could not decipher her language, she was reluctant to even talk to anyone. Then, when her prosthetist arrived, she has relentlessly worked on how to improve her communication skills.

With all that going on during these five years, mix in the loss of her father, my mother-in-law, as well as one of Suzanne’s longest & closest friends. Add in family struggles, remodeling projects, and all the other little events that come in an average life; that’s how we roll.

So, where have five years brought us? First and foremost, closer together and closer to our creator as we both recognize the miracle in front of us, continuing to try and discover our purpose in his plan. From there, our travel plans have exploded with our friend constantly asking, “Where to Next?”. Finally, our outlook on life, realizing just how precious our time is here on earth, we are looking forward to the future and what new journey and challenges await us.