Months passed, and our lives changed in ways neither of us had expected. Brad reduced his working hours and began receiving support with everyday tasks. We established routines, attended appointments together, and learned to appreciate the good days without pretending the difficult ones didn’t exist. Our children visited more often, and we explained the situation honestly. They brought photographs, shared memories, and helped fill the scrapbook with stories that made Brad laugh.
On our anniversary, Brad surprised me by preparing breakfast. He had written a short message on a card, although he needed several attempts to finish it. It read, “I may forget some things, but I know I love you.” I held the card against my chest and cried. That sentence meant more than every expensive present we had exchanged. I understood that our marriage was entering a different chapter, but it was still ours to share.
