Meet Vincent and Michelle from Connecticut

Meet Vincent and Michelle from Connecticut. Vincent was born and raised in Connecticut. His father was born and raised in Slovakia and immigrated to the United States in 1947. His mother was born and raised in Granville, New York. He has 10 siblings. The majority of his family still lives in upstate New York and he often comes to visit. He said, “My family and I have been coming to Howe Caverns for as long as I can remember. I came here as a child and can recall so many magical memories from this place. Now I bring my children and grandchildren.” Vincent has spent over 45 years in the medical industry. He is a paramedic and a nurse. At 42 years old, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the time of his diagnosis, his four children were all under the age of ten. He said, “I was devastated. I had cared for patients with multiple sclerosis so I knew how debilitating it was. Some days are good and some days are not. There are days when I cannot care for myself. It’s incredibly humbling. I truly do not think I would have mentally and emotionally survived if not for my wife, Michelle. When I became overwhelmed with my diagnosis and didn’t think I could carry on she said, “Let’s just take this one moment at a time. The future doesn’t matter. Let’s just be present in this moment.” She fearlessly and fiercely cares for me, even in the moments when I cannot care for myself.” The couple has been together for 38 years and married for 35. With the love and support of his family and his colleagues, Vincent is able to live a healthy and sustainable life. He is still working, traveling and being the best dad, husband and grandfather that he can possibly be. The one thing the couple wants to tell the world is, “It’s not the challenges in life that make or break us. It’s how we deal with them that define us. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Enjoy every minute of your life, because tomorrow is not promised.” Thank you so much for visiting