Mara (31 years old) became a widow at a young age: “We got married between chemotherapy”

Brain tumor

“We were in our early twenties and just starting to live together when Steve had his first seizure. It turned out he had a brain tumor. Our carefree lives were over in one fell swoop. Steve had two brain operations, both of which he barely survived.

Even though it changed his personality, I still really wanted to stick with him. We married chemotherapy, radiation and tests. Until I got pregnant, we couldn't believe our luck. But when Suz was 2 years old, they discovered a new, more aggressive tumor in his head.

Happiness and loss

“Shortly after that, Steve ended up in bed. Even though we had a lot of help, I couldn't relax. I slept with one eye open, always. Fortunately we kept talking. Steve understood that I longed for a normal life; I had been putting myself aside for him for years. He wanted nothing more than for Suze and I to be happy again.

I didn't expect that I would find love so quickly. I really enjoy the neglect in my relationship with Martine. Susie is crazy about him too, and even calls him Daddy. This took some getting used to with Steve's parents, but they are giving us a fresh start. “I think it's nice that happiness and loss coexist with us.”