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Irby Ila

@rightb4ilive

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Former SAHM back in this jungle called life. Trying to discover me again in a new place with new ppl and new challenges.

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My birthday vibe this year was chill. My boo obliged with my shenanigans and we headed to the mountains of AL so I could relax, relate, release lol. We stayed in a new city, tried new foods and slept in! 🙌🏾 We even saw bats out there in the country lol

When I woke up on my birthday, my husband shared the sweetest birthday messages from my friends and yall…I was in full blown tears. It was a reminder that despite my flaws, people see my heart. And it was a challenge to keep growing, keep loving and start putting that love where it belongs. And of course, we ended it with my favorite of all time…Kirk! 🧡

I am so grateful to my husband, my friends and family for stepping in to make this celebration possible. Thank you. I love you. 💕 #grateful #chapter40 #strokesurvivor #libraseason by @rightb4ilive

Turning 40 has always felt like a concept. I’ve watched family and friends turn the big 4-0 and it’s seemed so far away. But here we are and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you to my A1 for throwing it back to TIBJ and capturing these photos of me. It was great to do this with my favorite people surrounding me. A few behind the scenes included because yall know I can’t be serious lol Gotta shout out the new @thehuntsvillegreenhouse because it was such a beautiful venue! This place is warm and welcoming and perfect for sunset photos. by @rightb4ilive

365 days ago, I sat at my work desk ready for productivity. I had just finished a meeting and I was about to hop on a student call. I began to feel hot so I was going to step outside and get some air. As I stood up, my leg was heavy and hit the desk. My husband asked if I was okay, and when I went to speak, I couldn’t. 🤐

We drove to the hospital and that started the journey. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with a cryptogenic stroke aka we don’t know what happened to you. 😅

I was sent home with meds, and one month in, I ended up back in the hospital after passing out and losing most of the blood in my body. Over the next few months, I regularly saw neurologists and cardiologists, my primary doctor and an OBGYN. 🥼 (Can you pay my…doctor bills?! lol)

This past June, the doctor discovered that I had a couple holes in my heart-surprise surprise! This was something I hadn’t known about-ever! The following month, I had a device put in my heart to close the holes and reduce the risk of another stroke. 🙌🏾

It’s surreal, even as I write this, but my overwhelming thought is gratitude. I’m so thankful to be here. I’m thankful for all the memories that were made over this past year, even through the dark moments. I’m grateful for family and friends. I’m grateful for the use of my arms and legs. (even though these meds have ya girl chunky!) I’m grateful for the doctors who listened. And of course I’m forever grateful to my husband for being here to save my life.

Please take care of yourself. Listen to your body. Life is precious. #91025 #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #grateful by @rightb4ilive

Dive into Five was a wonderful weekend! by @rightb4ilive

A weekend full of l💕ve…from family and friends. So grateful to be loved. 🥰 by @rightb4ilive

This weekend, we took the family to Birmingham, AL to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. We also made intentional efforts to support Black Owned Business during our stay. We already knew @sluttyveganbham was a must, so we had a little Sloppy Toppy action for dinner.

The next morning, on our way into downtown, we caught some of the MLK Day run! We headed to breakfast at @aliciascoffeellc inside of the historic A.G. Gaston Motel. While the motel wasn’t open just yet, we were able to walk through an exhibit of Dr. Gaston’s life and works while we waited for our food.

After breakfast, we headed to @16thstreetbaptist where we learned the untold stories of Johnny Robinson and Virgil Ware who were killed the same day as the historic bombing. We stood where those young girls lost their lives and we stood where Dr. King wept over their bodies.

We took a moment for an emotional break and then walked through Kelly Ingram Park. The depictions here are stark and so powerful. We then crossed the street and headed to the @bhamcivilrights institute. Here, we watched, heard and felt what it was like during the Civil Rights movement-across the US but specifically in our backyard.

We were pretty depleted after this so we headed to @yochef247 to refuel…and boy did we eat! Plant based lemon pepper wings, smack and cheese, Rasta pasta-we took several to go boxes! We then spent some time debriefing and visiting with family.

Before we left Birmingham, we had to stop by @eatslidecafe for brunch and the reviews did NOT disappoint! Creamy cheese grits, fluffy French toast and an amazing vegan hash were just some of the goodies-another to-go order was placed alongside our leftovers-I’m still full yall lol.

We ended our trip with bowling and ice cream before heading back home.

My children were scared at points in this journey. They had questions. It was emotional. We tried to comfort them by letting them know it was history, but we struggled with the fact that our history feels like our daily reality. This trip was a reminder that there’s still hate…but there’s still hope. #mlkjrday #birminghamalabama #civilrightsmovement by @rightb4ilive

Taking our 2nd family Christmas cruise and wow… what an experience 🎄🚢

From the laughs and late nights to the food, sunshine, and quality time together, this trip reminded us how special it is to slow down and just be present with the people who matter most.

There’s something different about celebrating the holidays at sea—less rush, more connection, and memories we’ll carry with us forever. We had an absolute blast, and somehow it was even better the second time around ❤️

Already talking about the next one because moments like these are worth repeating.

🎄🚢✨
#FamilyCruise #ChristmasAtSea #FamilyTime #MakingMemories #GratefulMoments #HolidayTraditions #MSC #MSCCruise #ChristmasCruise #MSCGrandiosa by @rightb4ilive

The concert I didn’t know I needed. Such an amazing experience. And a simple getaway. Sometimes, you don’t need an agenda (I may have made a basic one-I’m a work in progress!🥴🤭), just a good friend, a few days away and lots of laughs. I tried not to put too many spoilers in if your tour stop is coming up…if you don’t have tickets, get some! #boyisminetour #birmingham #girlsweekend❤️ by @rightb4ilive

Let me clear the air and take the time to answer some questions. Yes, I had a stroke. A whole stroke…at 38. We still don’t understand it all, but I’m alive and here to tell you about it-with no physical side effects. 🙌🏾

Each day is different and comes with its own set of challenges. I’m in the hospital right now dealing with one of the challenges. But, there are still so many wonderful things to celebrate, so many people going through their own storms…why would I let this bring me down? 🙃

I appreciate those who have reached out and offered support. This recovery doesn’t end and often times I don’t even know what I need. I’m so thankful for friends who love and nudge, my parents who have dropped everything to be there, my children who have watched this journey and been so understanding…and my husband who literally has handled it all. From recognizing the signs of the stroke and getting me to the hospital, to cooking, cleaning, driving, and even watching me pass out repeatedly and getting me back to the hospital-with all the love and care. Thank you for living these vows. 💍

I don’t know where this journey will lead but…I trust God. I have no other choice. The weapon was formed but you better believe it won’t prosper. Thank you for the continued prayers and support. Remember, everyone is fighting a battle you may not see. I hope I’m able to send that same love your way. 💕 by @rightb4ilive

A moment in time…

9.10, the doctor said the word again, “Stroke”. I’ve heard it before but it’s never been personal. And personally, I don’t like it. But like many things in life, it didn’t care. Didn’t care that I was 38, married with two kids and a full life ahead of me. I wasn’t ready for this moment in time.

10.9, say those words one more time, “Happy Birthday.” I’ve heard it before but it’s never been so personal. And personally, I’m grateful. There are so many people in my life who do care. Care that I’m alive, recovering and a full life ahead of me. I’m 39 and God says I’m ready for this moment in time. by @rightb4ilive

“Promise me you’ll remember: you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” -Winnie the Pooh #kindergarten #kindergartengraduation #classof2025 by @rightb4ilive

Mother’s Day 2025 by @rightb4ilive