Strength, Purpose, and the Promise I Made to My Wife
I didn’t start training for looks. I started training because I made a promise.
My wife, Becca, has lived her whole life in a wheelchair due to a birth defect. And for the past twelve years of our marriage, we’ve been a team. But Alaska isn’t the easiest place to navigate when wheels meet snow, mud, or stairs — so sometimes, it’s up to me to lift.
Not just figuratively. Literally.
I’ve carried her into our home, into hotel rooms, into bed when she was sick, and onto boats for adventures. And every time I felt myself straining, out of breath or off balance, I knew I had to get stronger — not someday, but now.
That’s when the mindset shifted.
This isn’t just about fitness.
It’s about function — about being built to carry.
I’ve started using macebells, hitting the gym regularly, and working toward a goal that’s as real and raw as it gets: to carry Becca up the Butte — a steep, beautiful hike here in the Mat-Su Valley. She deserves to see that view. And I want to be the reason she gets there.
It’s not easy. I’m still losing weight, building endurance, and training my body step by step. But every lift I do in the gym? I think about what it represents. It’s not about reps — it’s about necessity. It’s about love with callouses.
“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.”
— Psalm 31:24 (ESV)
I don’t want to be just strong. I want to be strong for her.
The world might not measure strength in these moments — but I do. Because when you love someone deeply, and you see what they face every day, you realize real strength doesn’t come from flexing — it comes from showing up, lifting up, and never giving up.
🫶 To those who carry too…
If you’re someone who trains, supports, or serves — this space is for you too.
Maybe you’re a nurse, CNA, or someone working long hours in a hospital or care home.
Maybe you’re the partner, spouse, friend, or family member of someone who relies on your strength.
Maybe you serve as a firefighter, police officer, or member of the military — training not just for yourself, but to protect and carry others.
If that’s you, welcome home.
This site is for people who know what it means to train for more than themselves… We hope it honors you as well and reminds you: your strength matters.
If you are on the receiving end of that strength or endurance, this is for you as well. Here Necca and I share tips, strategies, and lessons we have learned and are learning that we hope will give you a lift up. We love you.
💬 Want to read more about our journey together? Check out our About page
👕 And if this message resonates with you… See the Built to Carry shirt on Etsy
#BuiltToCarry
#PurposeDrivenStrength
#StepByStepLiftByLift
#WeCarryEachOther