3. Two are always better than one

This seems obvious, and yet it’s worth reminding. I would have not been able to get through the past eight years if I didn’t have the true partnership, complete support, and love of my wife. We are truly a team of two.

Raising a child with disabilities puts your marital relationship in a real test. One of the most difficult tests it can go through. If your marriage was based on solid foundations before your child was born, it will endure and may grow even stronger. However, if it was fragile, it might break. I know couples that divorced as a result of having a child with disabilities.

Fortunately for us, we were a strong couple, and our daughter became our common purpose and priority.

Regardless how strong or smart we are, there comes a time when we face a challenge too great for us to overcome alone. That’s when we need help. It may be physical help, emotional support, or a friendly ear with whom we can share our feelings and thoughts.

This also applies to our professional life. There is a reason why successful startups have two or more founding partners who work well together. It’s why the relationship between startup founders is often compared to a marriage relationship.

We need a real partner in order to overcome significant challenges in our life. Two people working in harmony, with common purpose and goals, mutual respect, consideration, and trust. Moreover, there needs to be a sincere care for each other. This means that I want my partner to succeed and be happy, just as much as I want it for myself.

In marriage, as in starting a new company, if you want to succeed you must choose the right partner. Don’t settle for anything less.

Here are links to Part 1 and Part 2 of this 10-part post, in case you didn’t get a chance to read them yet.