Toby and I (Jasmine) met way back in 2010 while we were both working at the same company. We instantly hit it off, admired each other for our professionalism, and the job required us to partner frequently. He was my favorite colleague, always making me laugh, and walking me to my car when I often worked late at night. In 2013, we hung out outside of work for the first time and the rest is history. We’ve been together ever since navigating this thing we call life. Together, we’ve traveled, taken care of family, made great friends and memories, dealt with way too much death as we’ve lost a lot of loved ones, and tested out the “in sickness and health” part of marriage more than we’d like to admit. Over the years both of us became disabled with chronic illnesses. Toby’s chronic pain is a result of injuries he sustained while doing dangerous work throughout the years and I have an auto-immune disease (RA/SpA) and central nervous system disorder (Fibromyalgia). Don’t get me started on what this has all done to our mental health. Life isn’t easy, but we try to see the light in the darkness on a daily basis and help each other through it. We’re taking it one day at a time, sometimes hour by hour, and making the most of the time we have on this earth. We’ve been together 12 years now and are still each other’s favorite person and best friend so we’re doing something right. We’re not experts or doctors, just two people who are managing and balancing illness, marriage, family, and life together and hope to make your day just a tiny bit brighter. We’re still working through what we’ll share here but ultimately, we want to raise awareness about chronic illness and help other people who are suffering find light in their days. What would you like to know? What questions do you have? Share in the comments