Hand in Hand, Adventure Awaits

We are home from a three-week road trip—three weeks of winding roads, breathtaking landscapes, and moments that will forever be etched in my heart. It wasn’t always easy. There were struggles, moments of uncertainty, and the ever-present challenge of navigating Tim’s PNES while being far from the familiarity of home. But even with the obstacles, I wouldn’t trade this adventure for all the gold in the world.

There’s something about the open road that feels freeing—like, for a little while, the weight of everyday life lifts, and all that matters is the journey ahead. The countryside stretched out before us in ways that felt endless, reminding me that even in the hardest seasons, there is still so much to see, so much to experience. The rolling plains, the towering rock formations, the colors of the desert shifting with the sun—it all felt like a reminder that life is vast, unpredictable, and beautiful, even when it doesn’t go the way we planned.

But more than the places we explored, it was watching Tim that made this trip unforgettable. There was a light in his eyes that I hadn’t seen in so long—pure, unfiltered joy. Despite everything he has been through, despite the challenges and the limitations his condition tries to impose, he was fully present in the moment. There was something almost childlike about the way he soaked it all in, as if he was rediscovering the world with fresh eyes.

One of the most special moments was watching him laugh—really, truly laugh—as we had fun in Roswell, New Mexico, a place he had always wanted to see. It was like, for a little while, the weight of everything faded, and we were just two people having an adventure, marveling at all the quirky alien-themed sights and embracing the lighthearted fun of it all. Seeing him smile so freely, seeing that spark of excitement as he stood in a place he had dreamed of visiting—it was a gift, one that reminded me why we keep pushing forward.

That was the most beautiful part—watching him learn, watching him push through, watching him make our new normal a reality. This condition may have changed our lives, but it has not stolen our ability to live. It has not taken away our spirit, our drive, or our love for adventure. Instead, it has taught us resilience, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the moments we have.

Life doesn’t wait for us to have it all figured out—it moves forward, whether we are ready or not. And so, we learn to move with it. We learn to adapt, to navigate the challenges, to find joy in the midst of uncertainty. We learn that even with the struggles, there is still so much beauty waiting to be discovered.

So, here’s to more adventures—more winding roads, more breathtaking views, more moments that remind us why we keep going. No matter what comes, we will face it together, hand in hand. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where we go—it’s about who we walk beside. And with Tim by my side, I know that no matter where life takes us, we will always find our way.