Carli Hamilton’s life began with a prognosis no parent wants to hear. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, doctors told her parents she likely wouldn’t live past her fifth birthday. Throughout her childhood, she grew up under that uncertainty, never knowing how much time she had or her quality of life. Yet, instead of letting it paralyze her dreams, Carli made it her mission to live fully, no matter the timeline.
In her early years, she resented being known as “the girl in a wheelchair.” It felt like the defining thing people saw about her. But as she grew older, she embraced it, realizing it set her apart in ways she could be proud of. She learned to love herself, her chair, and even the attention it brought, though she still faced negative comments.
One of her biggest challenges came in dating. Some men told her outright they couldn’t see a future with her because her disability was life-threatening. She wasn’t sure if she could have children or how long she would live, and while she had made peace with those unknowns, the men she dated often couldn’t. After repeated disappointments, Carli abandoned dating altogether, accepting that she might always be single.
After graduating from college, she and her best friend moved to California. Not long after, they attended a new church. When the service ended, a man named Jared approached her, asking friendly, ordinary questions about where she was from and if she was new. Carli braced herself for the inevitable, “So why are you in a wheelchair?” but it never came. Unlike others, Jared didn’t mention her chair at all. She was struck by how he seemed to see her, not her disability.
Despite his interest, Carli was guarded. She even forgot his name and nicknamed him “Pineapple” because of his hair tied high on his head. He would text her, but she often took days or weeks to reply. She declined date invitations, self-sabotaging because she feared getting attached only to be told again that someone couldn’t handle a future with her.
Three months after the meeting, she finally agreed to a date. Still, she kept her emotional walls up. They stayed friends for nearly a year, sharing an unusual dynamic. She knew he cared deeply for her, but never made a bold move. That changed when her best friend got married and moved back to Utah.
Carli considered moving, too, since she couldn’t afford to live alone in California. When she told Jared, his face fell. He offered her a place to stay with his family or his grandfather so she wouldn’t have to leave. Testing the waters, she asked if he’d ever considered dating her. “Of course I have,” he replied.
From there, things began to shift. A few weeks later, Jared took her to a sushi restaurant in La Jolla with a stunning ocean view, a spot he knew she’d love. That night, instead of leaving after dinner as usual, Carli suggested a walk. As they moved along, he walked, and she impulsively took his hand. It felt natural, easy, and right. They got dessert twice and lingered in each other’s company. That was the night Carli realized she had fallen for the man she once swore she wouldn’t date.
In January, Jared proposed, and Carli said yes. Their wedding day was everything she’d hoped for. As she rolled down the aisle, she saw how Jared looked at her with love, admiration, and certainty. In that moment, she knew they could weather any challenge life brought.
Nearly a year into their marriage, Jared has proven that love daily. He helps her into bed each night, assists her in the shower, dries her hair, dresses, and carries her when needed. He has embraced every challenge her disability presents without hesitation, seeing them not as burdens but as opportunities to care for the woman he loves.
They’ve talked honestly about their future, whether they can or will have children, how long she might live, and their life together. Jared’s answer is always the same: “I want kids, but I want you more.”
For Carli, Jared is proof that unconditional love exists. He loves her at her best and most vulnerable, and she feels sure they were meant for each other. Every day, she strives to give him as much love as he’s given her, grateful for a partner who chose her for exactly who she is.
