The day has come and gone, but it’s never too late to celebrate a life.

Valentine’s Day is always a special day for me, but not for the reasons some might think. Each Valentine’s Day marks another year that I have survived and grown since my stroke. This year is my 10th year stroke-free. A decade of continuing to improve and find my way to the healthiest me I can be. Ten additional years of friendship, family, love, and adventures.

This year, my life-aversary came after a week of knowing my brother was fighting for his own life in the hospital. When he first went in, I text him telling him to fight and reminding him that I loved him. He promised me he would be ok. For the last two days of that week, I watched him struggle to breathe not knowing if he would be able to keep that promise. It killed me to see him that way. He’s the same age our dad was when he died, and I spent every day wondering if that was it. Would my time with my brother be over? This man who was my first friend in every new place we moved, who always had my back even when I didn’t know it sometimes, who I looked up to in so many ways. Seeing your pillar of strength crumble can be too much.

So, I needed this little celebration as these are scary times. Out in the world outside the hospital walls- heartbreaking times. It would be incredibly easy to dial into the chaos and let it sink me. I could drown in the noise around me if I’d allow it. But I won’t. And days like these remind me to focus on my love for life and gratitude for each moment I get- not just for myself, but with the people who matter most to me.

My brother is improving- he has thus far kept his promise, and I promised him that I will always be here to help in any way that I can- in any way that he’ll let me. Which may not be at all, so I will continue to do my part to remain healthy and lead by example for those who aren’t yet ready to make the changes necessary to thrive in this life.

I am confident that when the time does come, I will be here.

Here’s to another year 😊🥳 Celebrate every moment ❤