Why don’t hospitals have rewards programs like Chick-Fil-A?

Being a regular at a hospital isn’t something anyone aspires to. Yet, here we are.

This weekend, Archie had a G-tube placed in his stomach. It’s primarily for when he experiences paralysis episodes and struggles to swallow, but we’re already seeing unexpected benefits—medications are easier to give, nighttime feedings help him sleep longer, and we can relieve gas when he’s uncomfortable. Small wins in a bigger battle.

Strangely, heading to the hospital this time felt routine. The hardest part? Sneaking out at 4:00 a.m. without waking Hudson. Walking through those hospital doors, a place so many associate with fear and uncertainty, felt almost… normal. And that made me wonder—should it?

The surgery was quick. Archie bounced back fast. The staff, as always, was kind and exceptional at what they do. So why should we have been stressed?

Well… our kid does have a degenerative neurological condition. I guess there’s that.

Maybe we’ve simply embraced this new phase of life. I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of guy. But what makes some people take a difficult hand of cards and play it well? What stops them from spiraling into despair? Is it humor? A sense of purpose buried in the hardship? The strength of a supportive community?

As I sit with those questions, I realize—it’s all of the above. We wouldn’t be here without our incredible community that’s still growing. So no, I won’t question why this life feels comfortable, even in its challenges. There’s so much ahead, and we have big things in motion.

And that, in itself, is something to hold onto.