When I first thought about starting a blog, I had a hard time finding a name that really fit. How could I sum up years of challenges, heartache, joy, resilience, and everything in between in just a few words?

Then one quiet evening, it hit me: Love Through It All. It felt right, like it had been sitting there all along, just waiting for me to notice.

My life hasn’t been easy. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teenager and went through several surgeries early on. I had to learn how to live with an ileostomy during some of the hardest years – the years when you’re trying to fit in, date, and just be a normal teenager. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me in ways I’m forever grateful for. It taught me strength, empathy, and resilience in a way nothing else could have.

Living with chronic illness has shown me that true connection isn’t just about sharing the good times. It’s about standing together through the hard days – being patient, compassionate, and choosing each other even when everything feels overwhelming.

Marriage has brought its own ups and downs. After losing my first husband in a tragic accident when our boys were still little, I wasn’t sure I’d ever open my heart again. But then I met Nathan. He’s been my steady hand, walking with me through every health scare, every rough patch, and every beautiful moment, too. Every day, we continue to choose each other, and that commitment has made our bond even stronger.

Family has been both my greatest blessing and one of my hardest challenges. Losing my sister to suicide and feeling my brother drift away were heartbreaks I never expected. But those losses have made me hold tighter to the family I have. They’ve reminded me how important it is to care deeply, even when life doesn’t look the way we once imagined.

My faith has carried me through it all. It’s taught me that being strong doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means showing up, even when it’s hard, and trusting that light and hope can break through even the darkest moments.

I’m starting this blog because I believe our stories matter. If you’ve ever felt alone in your struggles, I want you to know you’re not. I’m right here with you. Through this space, I hope to offer encouragement, understanding, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.

I’m also writing a book – a project that has been on my heart for a long time. It’s a deeper look into my journey: the struggles, the healing, the loss, and the strength that carried me forward. My hope is that both the blog and the book will offer you a safe place to land, a reminder that no matter what you’re facing, you are not alone.

Here on Love Through It All, you’ll find honest stories about living with chronic illness, real conversations about marriage and intimacy, reflections on faith and resilience, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the book I’m writing. My goal is to create a space where we can be real with each other, support one another, and find strength in the shared experiences of life.

If any part of my story connects with you – if you’ve ever stood by someone during a hard time, or needed that kind of support yourself – I hope you’ll stick around. I’d be honored to hear your story, too.

I don’t have all the answers, but I promise to show up with honesty, hope, and an open heart.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13