Living Our Dreams, Rearranged

As I sit here, letting the memories of our three-week trip gently wash over me, I can feel them starting to blur at the edges—fading just a little as the demands of my job and the busyness of daily life take over again. But before they slip too far into the background, I want to pause and hold onto the peace that journey brought me.

It wasn’t a perfect trip. There were moments of frustration and worry, especially as we navigated the challenges of your PNES. Learning how to adapt, how to travel safely, and how to respond when episodes happened was sometimes overwhelming. There were times I felt uncertain, even afraid, wondering if we were doing the right thing, if we could really make this work. But looking back now, I wouldn’t trade a single moment—not for all the riches in the world.

That time away was more than just a vacation. It was a balm for both of our souls, a chance to step outside the routine and see the world—and each other—with fresh eyes. We saw the beauty of this great country, from quiet sunrises to breathtaking landscapes, and in those moments, I felt a sense of gratitude and wonder that I can’t quite put into words.

But maybe the most important part was what we learned together. We figured out how to manage the episodes as they came, how to support each other, and how to keep moving forward even when things got tough. It wasn’t always easy, but it was real, and it brought us closer in ways I never expected. We grew as a team, as partners, and as friends.

This trip reminded me that life doesn’t stop because of a diagnosis. Our dreams don’t have to end—they might just need to be rearranged. We can still live, still explore, still build memories together. The shape of our plans may look different now, but the heart of them is still beating strong.

As I return to the hustle and bustle, I carry that peace with me. I carry the reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is beauty, growth, and hope. And I carry the certainty that with you by my side, we can keep finding ways to live our dreams—no matter what form they take.