From Triumph… to Struggle… to Triumph

As a relationship and self-love coach with a deep curiosity about how couples meet, I spent decades collecting stories of love unfolding in unexpected ways. After interviewing hundreds of couples, I carefully selected 50 of the most incredible, surprising, and even magical journeys. And at age 76, I achieved a lifelong dream—I wrote and published my first book, It Can Happen to You.

My goal was simple: to offer hope and inspiration, reminding people that love often finds us when we least expect it. I was on a high, spreading hope through these real-life stories, showing people that love, trust, and serendipity go hand in hand.

A Twist I Never Saw Coming

Shortly after, life threw me an unexpected—and unwelcome—plot twist.

Just as I was celebrating this milestone, the universe had another test in store for me. Without warning, I faced a life-threatening health crisis that changed everything in an instant. Open-heart surgery became my only option, but multiple unforeseen complications turned my recovery into a grueling battle for survival—two months in the ICU, followed by another two months in rehab, relearning how to walk along with other basic skills. And… bonus, I lost all my hair due to so many rounds of anesthesia!

It was a journey filled with fear, doubt, and exhaustion, testing my spirit in ways I had never imagined. At first, I was at my lowest. The hospital walls felt like they were closing in, and I wasn’t sure if I had the strength to fight my way back. And to top it off—I was a terrible patient!

But then, something shifted.

The aides, nurses, and therapists at the rehab center weren’t just caregivers—they were warriors. With their tough love and relentless encouragement, they refused to let me give up. Every day, they reminded me that I was stronger than I thought, capable of more than I believed.

Relearning to walk wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a test of my will, my resilience, and my belief in my own strength. And just like the love stories in my book, my journey was filled with unexpected moments of grace—strangers who became my cheerleaders, tiny victories that felt monumental, and a renewed appreciation for the sheer miracle of life.

The Lessons That Changed Me Forever

Now, as I reflect on that chapter, I see it as proof of something I’ve always believed: we are never too old for new beginnings. Whether it’s writing a book, falling in love, or fighting our way back to health, life always holds the possibility of a fresh start.

This arc—from joy to struggle to triumph—proves that even when the middle is filled with pain and uncertainty, the ending can still be filled with hope, love, and new beginnings. My book was about unexpected love stories, but my recovery showed me that love isn’t just about romance—it’s in the kindness of strangers, the determination of caregivers, and the support of those who refuse to let you give up.

Here’s what I know now, deep in my bones:

Tough Love Can Be the Greatest Gift
Sometimes, the people who push us the hardest are the ones who believe in us the most. My nurses and therapists didn’t let me wallow in self-pity. They saw my strength before I did—and they wouldn’t let me forget it.

Your Mindset Is Your Greatest Ally—or Your Worst Enemy
There were moments when I felt hopeless, but I had to choose: Was I going to let this break me, or was I going to fight? Resilience isn’t about never feeling defeated; it’s about choosing to rise anyway.

Small Wins Are Big Wins
In rehab, standing up for a few seconds was a victory. Taking a step was monumental. We often overlook the small steps in life, but those are the ones that lead to great things. Celebrate every bit of progress.

We Are Stronger Than We Think
I never imagined I’d have to learn how to walk again. I never thought I’d face such a long recovery. But I did. We all have reserves of strength we don’t even know exist—until we need them.

Gratitude Changes Everything
When you almost lose your life, you realize how precious every moment is. I no longer take simple things—like walking, breathing, or even laughing—for granted. Gratitude is a powerful force for healing.

The Next Chapter

I never expected to live out one of the hardest, most transformative love stories of all—the one where I had to learn to love myself through the hardest battle of my life. But I did. Now, I move forward with a deeper understanding of resilience, love, and the power of never giving up. I still believe in love stories—only now, I know they come in many forms. It Can Happen to You isn’t just a book title anymore—it’s a mantra. Because life, love, healing, and even miracles… they all have a way of showing up when we least expect them. And that, I believe, is the greatest love story of all.