We

 Holidays came and went, like all the years. They come faster and go faster now, too. Winter. Valentine's day and all the romantic flowers, candy and dinner. It may happen every year, but none of it... all his efforts to make it special... is ever taken for granted. Dinners together and sofa snuggles. Easter Sunday, a picnic and photos with our new adopted senior boxer dog, now more precious than ever. Our anniversary. Every year, we go back to the same little Italian restaurant where the "we" started. Where we talked for hours over dinner... Closed the restaurant... Then sat in the car and talked more. That night didn't end there. He sent an email that told me he had a great time, that our time together was easy and comfortable, and he hoped I felt the same way. Well, I must have, because here I am.

Just days after we celebrated our 14th... Our life blew up. All the little things, big things, have to do things, fun things... Plans for the year... All blew up. Two vehicles came together at an intersection and produced their own big bang that changed our life forever.

We don't even exactly know how our lives will fully change. Each day is its own story, none of which we were prepared for. Still aren't.

It's two months now.

It can be difficult to see past the point of impact into our old life. It's been all hospital protocols, insurance, monitors, tubes, McDonald's coffee and control. Other times the thoughts and memories of the celebrations or just being together before the shift are weighted with the word "last" attached.

Every day there are new challenges on many levels. Some couldn't possibly have been on the radar. People surprise you in marvelous ways and in ways that leave you with your head tilted in your jaw limp. Some challenges require you to rethink your perspective, if it is a hill worth dying on... or how to consider someone else's hill. Other challenges come from standing, not moving from your spot. The depth of emotions and physical toll is difficult to tell.

But... It's two months. Two months closer than it was before to our newest chapter, and towards his amazing recovery. Everyday Jim shows me in so many ways he is gearing up to come back, and that keeps me looking forward. We...are going to be fine. Sometimes, I tell him that to help motivate him and feel better, and other times it's for me.