Last night did not go as planned.

At around 11:30 p.m., my mom, who’s in her 80s and lives with us, had what doctors later confirmed was a mini stroke. It came on fast, and in the moment, it was terrifying. We called 911, and within minutes, our local Fire Department and Paramedics were at our door.

We live in a small town of under 3,000 people, and our fire department is mostly volunteer. Still, they showed up with care, calm, and incredible speed. I honestly can’t praise them enough. When things feel out of control, having people who know exactly what to do makes all the difference.

We spent the rest of the night and most of the early morning in the ER. We finally made it back home around 4:30 a.m.—exhausted, shaken, but so incredibly relieved to say: my mom is okay. She’s doing great today, and we’re watching her closely, but right now, all is calm.

After a night like that, today has been all about rest and recovery.

It’s been a quiet kind of day, low lights, warm drinks, snuggles with my dog, and time together as a family. We’ve spent the afternoon wrapped in blankets, watching movies, and letting our bodies and minds settle. I might even finish my latest read later this evening, but honestly, I’m in no rush. The only thing that matters today is that we’re all here, safe, and together.

Grateful Doesn’t Even Cover It

To the first responders who showed up last night: thank you.
To the doctors and nurses who helped us through the long hours in the ER: thank you.
And to the friends, family, and readers who make space for the quiet, messy, beautiful parts of life, I’m so grateful for you, too.