Any successful marriage is supposed to have a vow of love through sickness and health. In one terrible moment, one couple was forced to test that vow.
A morning ride they'll never forget
When Matt and Danielle Davis were married, like any young couple, they had visions of a happy life, together forever.
But a tragic motorcycle accident suddenly changed their lives forever.
Danielle waited, and waited, and waited, for Matt's return!
In July 2011, Danielle waited like always for Matt to return from his summer motorcycle ride.
Unfortunately, Matt was involved in a horrible crash sending him to the emergency room.
The call no spouse wants to answer!
Matt was driving his motorcycle when he hit an illegally parked car at high speed while merging onto the interstate.
His wife received a horrible phone call from the emergency room, worried that her husband was going to lose his life.
The doctors gave up hope
The doctors told Danielle that Matt had no hope of recovering from the numerous injuries he suffered, including damage to his brain. Although life support was keeping him alive, his future was looking bleak.
Danielle was then faced with the decision of whether or not to approve of taking Matt off life support, being told he cannot return to a normal life.
Danielle Wasn't Ready To Give Up
Even after being told Matt's chances of a full recovery were less than 5%, Danielle wanted to fight for Matt's life.
Danielle's faith would not allow her to give up.
"I didn't think it was too big for God!"
Danielle believed that Matt deserved any help available, even if doctors recommended she remove him from life support.
"I knew that God could get us through that" she faithfully said.
It's what family is for!
Danielle helped Matt move to North Carolina where her mother lived. She also set up resources for him there for as long as he needed the care.
Then, the couple's family watched Matt lay in a coma for a long three years.
Nothing could break her Faith, not even the doctors!
Alongside her husband, Danielle lay with Matt for days, weeks, months, and years wishing her prayers would be answered.
Three years after being in a coma, her prayers were answered.
Hello there!
"I'm trying," Matt said as he opened his eyes for the first time to his wife in three years.
Matt's first eye movements showed recovery was no longer impossible.
Danielle? Marriage? Love?
Matt regained slight movement in his limbs, but his brain injury, however, needed more time to heal.
Danielle was a stranger to Matt since he lost all memories of her.
Memories get lost, love doesn't!
Danielle began helping with Matt's physical rehabilitation and accepted his erased memories of her may never come back.
While Matt's recovery was first, Danielle continued believing their love would return.
Walk this way!
Then that special day came for the young couple. In April of 2014, Matt took his first steps in three years.
Their faith and love proved to doctors wrong.
Back to 'normal'...the new normal!
Pulling the plug as she was urged to by the doctors, now seems like a crime.
Matt eventually got off using medications, inching every day literally, toward living a normal life.
Now the journey begins! Now comes the real fight!
Tears of joy quickly turned to beads of sweat as the long process of rehab began.
Matt progressed to using arm crutches after his insurance no longer paid for therapy.
Insurance! No insurance! Matt's recovery was priceless!
Brain injuries need a lot of time to recover, in some cases, it takes more than 10 years.
Sadly, therapy for most ends when their insurance stops paying for it.
Failure is NOT an option! Just do it!
Failure to recover fully was not an option for Matt believing his wife's love and their faith was why he still lived.
Whatever it took, Matt wanted his life back.
Memories can always be replaced, love cannot!
The couple quickly realized that Matt most likely would not fully regain his memories of their marriage.
So with loving hearts, the couple set out to create new memories together.
Danielle is why Matt lived, not the doctors, meds, or physio!
Danielle weathered the pain of her husband forgetting her and their marriage.
All she knew was that Matt gained a new love for her when she did whatever she could to keep him alive.
When you love someone, you set them free!
Danielle wants independence for Matt and believes he deserves a life free of expectations.
As her husband recovered, she also recognized that she needed to prioritize finding herself, becoming a "normal" person again, and achieving peace.
The strength of love can be the best kind of medicine!
Today, the happy couple aims to inspire others with their story of love and faith.
Both Daniell and Matt proclaim to owe their lives to the other, and has no regrets, despite what could have been a tragic story.
