Victory Lap

When Chris first entered the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, his wrecked body was wheeled in on a stretcher through the sliding glass doors in the back of the facility. Six months later—thanks to the therapists and Chris’ relentless nature—he ceremoniously walked out the front entry. He wore leg braces to accomplish this feat, but he set aside his walker as he crossed the threshold.

Much has happened in that year and a half since he left Madonna. Chris completed his in-patient rehabilitation at a facility in Omaha called QLI. He returned home to begin the work of integrating back into his career and family after his life changing disease. We spent time together at home as the world experienced a pandemic. Chris supported me as I wrote The Other Side of Us: A Memoir of Trauma, Truth, and Transformation, my book about our journey through Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Lincoln will always be a special place for our entire family, and we are thrilled to be returning there this weekend for the first time since Chris’ recovery.

Our weekend is going to be jam packed. On Friday, Chris is being interviewed by Nebraska Public Radio to talk about his recovery and my book. Then we are off to a book signing event at Francie & Finch, the adorable independent bookshop in downtown Lincoln. Saturday is all about Isaac as we celebrate his sixth birthday with a day of play at the Lincoln Children’s Museum, zoo, and the hotel pool. Then on Sunday… wait for it… Chris will be running his first half marathon.

Chris will be running the Lincoln Half as part of what he’s been calling his “victory lap.” This summer he plans to do something he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do if not for his amazing recovery in all the places he was cared for during his year with GBS: Pierre, Sioux Falls, Lincoln, and Omaha. The half marathon in Lincoln is the first event on the list followed by an Olympic triathlon in Omaha.

He is grateful for the ability to run, and he has learned to give himself permission to walk when he needs to… because he is grateful for that ability as well. He is grateful for the providers who helped him build the physical strength to be able return to his life. He looks forward to getting to experience these cities with his family rather than accept us as visitors. 

I am proud of Chris. His ability to push through is admirable. He has shown us what can be achieved with perseverance and a positive attitude.

I am taking a moment to sit back and savor this sweet lemonade. It wouldn’t have been possible if not for those sour lemons.