Marla Wendel (MW) and Daniel Wendel (DW)

DW: A lot of time went by between when you had your stroke and when I was born. What were you thinking during that time? 

MW: I was just thinking, we’re gonna make it, we’re gonna make it.

At one point, when I was pregnant, they were like, ‘Are you going to terminate the baby or not? It’s risky to continue for your health, for the baby’s health.’ 

And I was like, ‘Of course we’re gonna keep the baby.’DW: And you have so much trouble making decisions about everything… 

MW: [laughs]

DW: …under the sun.

MW: I know.

DW: You have trouble deciding what breakfast cereal… [laughs]  

MW: I know, I do. I do. That is true.
But I felt so strongly you were supposed to be here. I was just thinking, like, I wanna be your mother, I wanna be your mother so bad.

DW: Do you want to tell us about the stroke? 

MW: It was a Saturday night. And as the night progressed, I noticed my leg was giving out and you have an older sibling, so, I started thinking, like, I have gotta get him into bed. And I feel bad, but I heaved him into the cage.

DW: You meant crib, right?

MW: Oh, what’d I say? 

DW: Cage? 

MW: [laughs] I did, yes. Thank you. 

DW: You know, I was probably a teenager before I realized that not everyone has traumatic brain injuries, and that’s not just some fun game me and my mom play… 

MW: [laughs]

DW: …when she forgets words [laughs]. 

But I always knew that you risked your life so that I could come into this world. That was always in the background.

MW: You had said that it made you feel pressure. 

DW: Yeah, but pressure to do amazing things with your life, that’s not a bad thing. 

MW: Yes, but I never want amazing things like, become the President of the United States, or go to the Moon. But, like, that you would bring joy to people, ’cause you have such a kind heart and you’re such a good person. 

DW: I mean, I had a pretty good example.

MW: That’s good to hear, thanks son. 

You’re so strong inside and if people see you, they might not know that because you’re so quiet and thoughtful. 

If you weren’t here with us, the world would not be as good of a place. Really, truly. I can’t think of it. 

It was a miracle that the two of us made it.