Haylee (Daughter)

Going into 2026, there were all these things that I wanted to accomplish.

I told myself that I’d finally learn to sew and use the vintage sewing machine that I bought from the thrift store three years prior. I told myself that I’d be more consistent with my workout routine, meal prep more, learn how to make and bottle my own kombucha, and spend more time in the garden. I even started a new sourdough starter.

Then, at the end of April, I found myself waking from a coma, 200+ miles from home with no recollection of how I got there, let alone the events that led up to me being there. I opened my eyes, looked at my husband, holding my hand, smiled, and then in the strongest voice I could muster, I uttered the words…

“You need to shave.”

It was funny then, and it’s even funnier now. It’s crazy to think that despite being surrounded by beeping machines and in an unfamiliar place, I didn’t ask, “What happened?” or “How did we get here?”. I was just concerned with making my husband laugh. I knew deep down, even in that split second of waking up, that something bad happened and that, whatever that something was, it took its toll on him. I’d later learn the various details of the events that led up to that moment. I’m still learning bits and pieces nearly 100 days later.

I still don’t remember a lot.

There’s a big possibility that I never will, and I think I’m ok with that. I know enough of what happened. I know the toll it took on, not just my husband and daughter, but on my parents, my sister, my family, my friends. Me almost dying was definitely not on anyone’s 2026 bingo card. One of the worst parts is realizing that we still have a long road ahead of us, that this journey is nowhere near the finish line. 

But…we are moving forward. 

I am extremely blessed and lucky to be alive, to be home with my family, to be healing. God kept me here for a reason, and whatever that reason or reasons may be, I’m going to praise Him and thank Him through it all.