Bi-Polar Disorder is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes episodes of mania, lack of sleep, racing thoughts, and episodes of deep depression. Properly treated, a person with Bi-Polar Disorder can lead a fairly normal, productive life. And for twelve years of our marriage, Tricia did just that. Full time jobs, three kids, happy home, the world at our feet. But in July of 2016, everything changed. 

Tricia was diagnosed at the age of 15, and had been managing it very well until a series of unrelated medical issues triggered her symptoms to the point of hospitalization. She had been hospitalized before, but just for minor adjustments to medications. It was never anything that we couldn’t handle, but this time it was different. This time it began with a panicked rush to the emergency room, only to be met with little care and no available rooms in treatment centers for hundreds of miles. It was a day and a half of hopelessness and no treatment until we found a facility in Grand Rapids that had room for her.

The next few weeks were even worse. Meal plans, therapy, rigid schedules, new medications, old medications, none of it worked. While Tricia was getting help, I was home parenting our three kids and keeping up with my full-time job to keep us afloat. Thankfully, family was able to watch the kids while I worked and when I would drive up to Grand Rapids to check in with Tricia and her team of doctors. Through it all, the kids and I prayed every day that God would bring Tricia home to us.

After weeks of this, and one quick release only to be re-admitted once again, Tricia came home. But it didn’t feel that way; my Tricia just wasn’t herself anymore. I figured there was a lot of damage done and years of recovery were lost. In hopes of getting her back to full health, I checked Tricia into a different hospital. A couple weeks later she was released, but in worse condition than when she checked in. The doctors had given up hope on her recovery, and I was truly beginning to lose hope that I would ever get my wife back. Hours spent in prayer, days spent with family, opening up to prayer partners, and so many sermons—it all seemed fruitless. Every prayer seemed to be answered with another night alone in bed, and no mom to tuck the kids in.

Just a few days after coming home I took her to a different hospital, desperate for a better outcome. She was released after a few weeks and went to stay with her dad to recover in a quiet environment. Her progress was slow and painful. For me and the kids, it seemed hopeless. It had been 6 months since Tricia was herself, and it felt like the darkness would never end. Then one wintery day, Tricia asked me to pick her up from her dads to spend time with the kids, and it was the first time I had truly seen my Tricia in so long! She was back to her beautiful vibrant self, and moved back in with us the next day!

Moments from prayer came flooding back to me—words that had been spoken over us, the unfailing encouragement from everyone at Radiant, and the relentless promises of God. Not only did God restore Tricia’s health through prayer, therapy, and medicine, but he restored our marriage and love for each other in unimaginable ways! Later that year, after 13 years of marriage, we renewed our vows, and our life together has never been better. I thank God every day for his love and mercy, and the outstanding grace and healing that he has given us!

Do you feel your story can serve as a hope and inspiration to others? Contact us at mystory@radiant.church.