If you met us today, you might not know that my husband has a Masters Degree in Trombone Performance.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband lived and worked as a music teacher and band director in Michigan.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband performed professionally in smaller symphonies and chamber groups.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband is both a Spartan (undergrad) and a Wolverine (Graduate school).

If you met us today, you might not know that he cheers for the (College) winning team – for some that treasonous, for him it’s common sense.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband was invited to audition for the Air Force band and was one of the finalists. He was THAT good.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband was so very passionate about music, and about being a band director.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband was the most chivalrous men I had ever met.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband has a specialized degree in sarcasm.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband, the man with “immediately burns in the sun skin and super green eyes,” is a proud Palestinian man, and has traveled overseas to his family’s homeland.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband NEVER let me open my own car door, or close it for that matter.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband LOVES to cook, bake, and eat. Ha! On my first visit to Michigan, he made pancakes from scratch and brought them to the hotel where I was staying.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband comes from one of the most well documented Palestinian lineages (for generations), and has passed on the love of his culture and people to his children.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband is the eldest brother to two incredible sisters, AND cousin to like…hundreds of people. You read that right.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband had the sweetest southern drawl. It wasn’t obvious, but it was there, a twang that I fell in love with.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband has a really beautiful singing voice and that we used to be in church choir together when we were first married.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband is 5’8” and that he stands 4” taller than me – and that is the perfect amount.

If you met us today, you might not know that on the very first day I ever met him in person, I came home and sobbed to my mom that I was going to marry him and that I’d have to move far away. (I wasn’t wrong)

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband was always very clear about his intentions and always wanted to give me “the life I deserved.”

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband is a kind and loving person.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband loves God and the Orthodox Church. I shouldn’t judge, but I’m fairly certain he’s headed to the good place one day.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband never imagined this would be our life – but he has done everything, and tried everything, and handled it all with more grace than I could have imagined possible.

If you met us today, you might not know that my husband is a most beloved son, brother, cousin, husband, father, in-law, and friend.

Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond what’s directly in front of us – and visible disabilities can shape our perceptions in ways that are often based more on assumption than understanding.