GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — When Inass Barnes, of Grand Prairie, suffered a stroke last summer, life went from bad to wonderful.
“It was God’s plan to get me back to where I need to be,” she said.
Before getting there, though, she was dealt the final blow in what had been a difficult few years.
Unable to work, the stroke ended her two-decades-long dream job as a teacher.
Prior to that, her dad died unexpectedly.
To top it all off, her 23-year marriage ended in divorce.
“I was mad, but now I get it,” she said. “I understand why.”
Inass says the stroke was a revelation. For the first time, she realized just how much she was loved.
Students showered her with letters of affection, letting her know how much they miss her.
That’s partly why she says the stroke gave her a whole new appreciation for life. But most importantly, it gave her her husband again.
Marshall says when he went to the hospital to provide support, it was clear her stroke had a severe impact on his heart.
“I just felt this overwhelming feeling of, ‘I’m right where I’m supposed to be,'” Marshall said. “And I whispered to her right before she went into surgery, ‘I will never leave your side. I will never leave your side.’”
They re-married a few weeks ago and they said they’re not wasting this second chance.
“You have to live every day to the fullest,” Inass said.
“Don’t waste a day, don’t waste an hour, don’t waste a minute,” Marshall said. “Live every day like it’s your last because you never know when you’re going to get the opportunity to tell that person that you love them.”
Tuesday may be a holiday, but it’s really just one of 365 chances to show someone you care.
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