What My Husband’s Stroke Taught Me about Strength, Love and Gratitude

What My Husband’s Stroke Taught Me

Life is precious. My husband and I have been married for 11 years —11 springs, summers and falls shared together. But when I look back, I realize most of that time was spent working, hustling, and worrying about bills. Sure, we had our weekly hour dates, but even then, our focus was often on how to make ends meet.

Did we love what we were doing? I can’t fully speak for my husband, but for me, deep down, I knew I was capable of more.

Every marriage is different. My husband always took pride in doing what he called the “manly stuff” — taking care of bills, paperwork, fixing things, building, hauling the trash, and making money. I truly appreciated all of that. But when he had his stroke and suddenly couldn’t communicate, I found myself unprepared.

I didn’t know our account numbers. I didn’t know where the important paperwork was kept. I didn’t even know how to pump air into the car tires. For a moment, I hated feeling weak and vulnerable. But little by little, I started learning.

And through that, I realized something powerful: I don’t have to wait for someone else to fix or build things for me. I am capable of creating my own space — one that feels peaceful, beautiful, and mine.

So I bought my own power tools. I built shelves. I created something with my hands. It wasn’t just wood and nails — it was healing.

But most of all, I learned that life is too precious. We take the mundane things for granted — like taking a shower, walking, breathing on our own, or going to the bathroom. For months, my husband couldn’t do any of that by himself. Watching that taught me to be grateful every single time I can.

My takeaway : Life has a way of breaking us open, only to show us our strength.

If you’ve ever had to rebuild your world piece by piece, know that you’re not alone. Maybe today’s the day you pick up your own “power tool” — whatever that looks like for you — and start building something new.

How about you? What’s something life has taught you about your own strength?