When the Road Gets Harder, Keep Rising Anyway

This isn’t the blog I thought I would be writing for our second post. But here we are—because sometimes life doesn’t follow our timelines, and the rise takes a detour through the fire.

Real Life, Real Battles

Wayne—my husband, my co-host, my real-life phoenix—has been through more medical battles than anyone should ever have to face. After nine relentless weeks of infections, hospital stays, setbacks, and pain, he underwent major bowel resection surgery just two days ago. The recovery won’t be easy-he now has an ostomy bag, and a long road ahead-but true to form, he’s already sitting up in a recliner and taking short walks to encourage healing. He’s in pain, yes-but he’s also showing us, yet again, what resilience really looks like. 

Still, even the strongest warriors have breaking points.  

The morning of surgery, Wayne broke down in front of the doctor and nurse—a rare moment of vulnerability from someone who has faced more surgeries than we can count. He said something like, “I have had a lot of surgeries and I’ve never broken down, but I wasn’t planning on this one. And now having to deal with an ostomy bag? It’s going to take me some time to wrap my head around it.”

And if I’m honest, it’s tested me too.

There have been moments I’ve sat in the quiet and cried. Moments I’ve asked, “Why does it feel like the kindest souls are given the cruelest roads to walk?” But deep down, I know this: we’re still standing. We’re still rising. And that has to count for something.

And as if life weren’t chaotic enough, timing decided to show off its twisted sense of humor—because this weekend, we’re also moving back into our three-level townhouse. Yep, just in time for Wayne’s busiest season at work—when he’s expected to staff the school year and set the pace for commissions. So now we’ve got stairs, boxes, deadlines, financial pressure, and healing... all converging at once.

But thanks to the love of family, the support of friends, and a whole lot of grit—we’ve got this. And most importantly, we still have hope.

Podcast Delay-but the Mission is Stronger Than Ever

We had big plans to launch our Keep Rising Higher podcast this month. We were excited, ready, and had so much to share. But life, as it often does, had other plans. And right now, our energy is focused on healing, supporting one another, and getting through each day.

But please know—this delay isn’t a detour from our mission. It is the mission. Keep Rising Higher was never about polished perfection. It was always about real people, real stories, and real strength. And right now, this is our story.

So, What’s the Point of This Blog?

To remind you (and maybe remind ourselves too) that rising higher doesn’t always look polished or pretty. Sometimes, it looks like sitting in a hospital chair at 3 a.m., holding your breath, whispering prayers, and choosing hope one hard moment at a time.

It looks like taking one brave step, even when you’re still shaking. And it looks like saying to yourself, “This isn’t the end of my story. Not even close.”

So, if your road feels brutal right now... we see you. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how much more you can take... you’re not alone. And if you’re still showing up anyway? You, my friend, are already rising.

Keep going. Keep breathing. Keep rising higher.

We’ll meet you in the ashes. We’ll rise together. 💛🔥

With love and resilience,
Donna (and Wayne)