#Joey

August 2026. In the hospital for my L4-L5 TLIF fusion surgery. Not how I imagined spending the summer, but this chapter reminded me to slow down, accept help, and take recovery one day at a time. Every small step matters.

November 2021. Blue skies, autumn colors, and a little time to myself. Looking back at this photo, I'm reminded that the simplest days often leave the strongest memories. Just being present was enough.

July 2016. Dawne and I, close together in the golden evening light. I look at this photo and remember how much those simple moments meant to me. Years later, her smile still brings me right back to a time I will always treasure.

July 2016. Dawne and I, holding each other close in the warm evening light. I still see the happiness in her smile and remember how lucky I felt in that moment. Years may pass, but this is the kind of memory I will always keep.

July 27, 2001. Three frames of Dawne and me, smiling under the evening lights. What I remember most isn't the camera or the flowers. It's how happy I was standing beside her. Some moments stay with you forever.

July 27, 2001. Dawne and I, dressed up under the evening lights. One photo smiling together, the next catching that little glance between us. Twenty-five years later, I still treasure those moments. ❤️

July 27, 2001. Dawne and I, dressed up and smiling together. Four photos that take me straight back to that evening—the flowers, the laughter, and how lucky I felt standing beside her. Some memories never fade. ❤️

November 2020. Autumn colors, a little sunshine, and a moment worth keeping. Looking back at this photo, I’m reminded how much can change—and how the simplest memories can still bring me right back. 🍂

Two snapshots, one moment in time. 2026 has taught me to appreciate the little things, embrace the imperfections, and keep moving forward. No filters on life. Just me, one day at a time. 📸

Summer 2025, on replay. Sunsets over the lake, bright lights, and moments I wish I could hold onto a little longer. Summer's over, but some memories refuse to fade. 🌅

Summer's over, and this photo takes me right back to 2025. Coffee in hand, feet up, and lake days moving at their own pace. Seasons change, but I'm grateful for the quiet moments that stay with me. ☕

On August 4, 2026, I had a TLIF spinal fusion at L4-L5. TLIF stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. In simple terms, the procedure was performed to stabilize the L4-L5 level of my lower spine. The surgery involves placing an interbody cage and bone graft between the vertebrae, along with screws and rods that provide stability while the bones have time to fuse. Reading about spinal fusion is one thing. Going through it yourself is something entirely different. Surgery become…

I have joked more than once that I outkicked my coverage with Dawne, and this photograph makes the case better than I ever could. We were dressed for a formal evening, standing beneath the warm light of crystal chandeliers, and somehow she still managed to make everything around her look secondary. Dawne has that kind of presence. She can walk into an elegant room without needing the room to announce her. I am standing beside her in a black suit trying to look like I belong there, whil…