Author Twila McKay-Smith recalls her first meeting with her husband, Thomas Smith Jr. Thom was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base and saw her out his window. He later told her that he was tempted to jump out the window and approach her, but he didn't because he had just gotten out of the shower and didn't have clothes on! Thom didn't act so impulsively, but he met her all the same. The two fell in love and have been together ever since.
Smith loves her husband dearly, which was why, when he faced an unknown medical issue, she always believed him. Others called him a hypochondriac, but Smith knew there was something wrong. She pushed for a diagnosis, and Thom was eventually told he had lupus.
Smith discusses the sacrifices the family made to live with her husband's condition. Her experiences will resonate with anyone who has watched a family member suffer from a disease. Her journey drew her closer to God and inspired her to share her experiences with others. Smith wants others facing medical or other difficult challenges to know they are not alone in this world.
About the Author: Twila McKay-Smith graduated from Topeka High School. She is the eldest of six children who were blessed to have been raised in a Christian home. Early in life, Twila wanted to be a policewoman to help others; but learned in later years she could help others, even though she was not a policewoman. All of her experiences have made her stronger and closer to the Lord. She never gives up, because of her faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Her continued joy is contributed to having a personal relationship with the Lord. She has worked in government for twenty-five years as a material expediter, and secretary.
McKay-Smith has received many community awards for her work. She has also coordinated fashion shows and attended Barbizon Modeling School. While living in Spain she taught judo, and coached a girl's baseball team in Kansas, which were a few of her highlights in her travels. Her love for trains comes from her fond memories of traveling by train with family members.
McKay-Smith lives with Thom, her husband of fifty-nine years, in Clermont, Florida. She has a daughter, son, 3 grandchildren, and 3 great grands.
