From what we’ve heard of Trista Sutter, she’s had a pretty great life so far.
After all, she will forever be known as the very first Bachelorette, and how could anything else top that prestige?
Trista’s also one of the few people to appear on The Bachelorette or The Bachelor who’s been able to find lasting love: she’s been married to Ryan Sutter since 2003 and they have two children together.
But unfortunately, despite all these good things, things took a dark turn earlier this week.
Trista is currently on a European vacation with her family, and yesterday she shared a shocking photo of herself in a hospital bed.
In a lengthy Instagram post, she explained “This was me yesterday … two hours after I had a seizure.”
“… two hours after I fell on my daughter’s chest & she watched, along with her brother & grandparents, in confusion & horror as her mommy stared blankly off into the distance and started turning blue.”
“… two hours after we were supposed to have an adventure. An adventure to one of the most beautiful National Parks in Europe.”
Sounds pretty dramatic and horrifying, right? It only gets worse.
“Instead,” Trista continued, “I ended up in a euphoric white dream that the voices of my husband and daughter pulled me from and I ended up in a Croatian hospital being poked and prodded and wondering ‘why me?"”
In an inspirational turn, she added “But today, I had to ask, ‘why not me?’ I’m human. I have an expiration date.”
“I’ve always envisioned that date being sometime after my kids have graduated college, met the loves of their lives and created families of their own …”
“But I was reminded yesterday that it could come anytime, in any country, whether I’m surrounded by strangers or people I love, or neither, or both.”
“I’ve never been perfect and I never will be,” Trista wrote, “but from here on out, I vow to try my best to live this life to the fullest.”
“To embrace gratitude and the lessons I wrote about over 3 years ago with a newly acquired perspective.”
“To stress less. To love more. To listen. Be kind. Spread joy. To be a better version of myself as a wife, mother, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, neighbor, daughter, and friend.”
She took time to thank her loved ones, her fans, and, of course, #BachelorNation.
She also thanked the strangers around her when she had her seizure, the ones she said “held my hand, wiped my tears, and hugged my kids.
Finally, she thanked her family, especially Ryan.
“Without you,” she said, “I don’t know that I would be here today. You are my everything and I love you forevermore.”
In closing, she urged anyone who read her message to “be thankful for your life and and blessings. Tell the people you love how you feel and live with grateful enthusiasm.”
Because, as she says, “I plan to.”
Best wishes to Trista, and here’s hoping that her health improves!
