In this episode of Listening First, Patrick and Ben sit down with Chris and Denise Arthey to explore what it means to rebuild a life after unimaginable trauma.

Following a catastrophic motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver, both Chris and Denise became above-knee amputees, forcing them to confront a future radically different from the one they had planned. Their conversation begins in the immediate aftermath of the crash, when survival - not recovery - was the only focus.

From there, they reflect on the long and often difficult journey of rehabilitation, sharing how trauma challenged their sense of identity and required them to redefine self-worth beyond physical ability, achievement, and independence.

Chris and Denise discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their recovery: finding hope through the example of others, setting meaningful personal goals, and learning to trust the rehabilitation process even when progress felt frustratingly slow. They also speak candidly about the role of faith, community, and their marriage in helping them navigate pain, uncertainty, and despair.

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation centres on forgiveness. Chris and Denise share why they chose to forgive the drunk driver responsible for the accident, and how that decision became an essential part of their healing journey. Eighteen years later, their perspective is both practical and profound. Rather than asking, “Why did this happen to us?”, they focus on a different question: “What happens next?”

This episode offers a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of resilience, identity, recovery, and hope - providing valuable insights for anyone facing adversity or supporting someone through it.