When Kerry Flanders suffered a stroke three years ago that left her unable to speak, it was the determination and love of her partner Jaye Cartwright that helped the couple find the strength to cope.
Ms Flanders was lucky to survive and the episode left her with a condition known as aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate.
Her symptoms were so severe that she also lost the use of her right arm, making writing impossible.
"She couldn't move. She couldn't walk, couldn't do anything but she's very strong willed. And she's a healer, a natural healer. That's a part of her," Ms Cartwright said.
Use of card helps others understand
Ms Flanders is an Indigenous Australian whose heritage includes Native American and Torres Strait Islander blood.
Ms Cartwright said the stroke, and developing aphasia, had changed their lives forever but there were so many things to be grateful for in a 12 year relationship.
"We hug, kiss, hold hands no matter where we are, we just don't care anymore. Everyone knows, and everyone accepts us," Ms Cartwright said.
"I'm grateful that we were together for such a long time. It means that I really know Kerry — I know what she likes, and dislikes, and I can read her body language," she said.
These days the couple are also finding the use of a simple, small card is enormously helpful in getting others to understand.
On one side of the aphasia ID card, it says: "Sometimes I find it hard to speak, listen, read or write. You can help me by speaking clearly and giving me time to answer. Thank you for your patience."
'Not a problem with intelligence'
On the other side it says: "Aphasia is a communication difficulty, usually caused by a stroke or brain injury. It is not a problem with my intelligence."
Using the card is part of life now for the couple and Ms Cartwright does everything she can to help Ms Flanders be more independent.
The couple, who live on the South Coast of NSW, are looking forward to getting married in March with the support of Marriage Equality Gilmore and the South Coast Rainbow community.
"Friends are organising the wedding," Ms Cartwright said.
"They told us that on the day we shouldn't do anything except relax and enjoy, so they are doing all the arrangements.
"We've got an outdoor pavilion on Koori land near Kerry's favourite spot — a fishing pond."
