Ep 5: Grateful for the Rowans: A Story of Love, Resilience, and Starting Again
Some stories stay with you. Not because they’re perfect, but because they’re true. That’s how we feel about our friends, Martin and Heila Rowan.
We’ve known the Rowans for years, but sitting down with them to record this episode of Running Ahrens reminded us how deeply meaningful it is to witness someone else’s journey, especially when they’re brave enough to tell it honestly.
Martin and Heila moved to the United States with five suitcases, a five-month-old baby, and five hundred dollars. They were young, in love, and determined to build a better life. And they did. They raised two incredible daughters. They started a successful business. They carved out a life with grit, generosity, and a beautiful sense of adventure.
But like so many of us who try to balance ambition, love, and family, their story wasn’t without struggle.
Behind the success was stress. Behind the smiles, a growing distance. There came a point where things didn’t just feel off, they nearly fell apart. And in one of the most powerful moments of our conversation, they shared what it took to face the truth, to choose vulnerability, and to fight their way back to each other.
It would’ve been easier to walk away. But they stayed. They did the hard work. They rebuilt, not just their marriage, but their friendship, their connection, and their faith.
We’re so grateful to know them. And we’re so honored they trusted us enough to share their story.
A Few Takeaways That Hit Home:
It’s easy to confuse providing with presence. Martin talked about how his role as a provider became a shield, something he used to justify long hours, emotional distance, and decisions made alone. It wasn’t until things broke open that he realized his family didn’t just need his income, they needed him.
Unspoken hurt becomes separation. Heila shared how years of silence and emotional suppression built up into resentment, loneliness, and a breaking point. Her honesty reminded us that pain unspoken doesn’t disappear, it grows.
Your partner is not your business partner — unless they are. And even then, communication, clarity, and humility matter. Just because you're building something together doesn’t mean you're building it the same way. The Rowans had to learn how to collaborate without one person dominating the vision or voice.
Redemption is possible. Through therapy, hard conversations, and faith, they came back stronger. Not perfect, but more connected. More honest. More present.
If You’re Struggling…
First, know this: you’re not alone.
Whether you’re running a business, a household, or just trying to keep your relationship from going off the rails — these stories matter. They remind us that even the strongest couples hit breaking points. That success and love don’t always go hand-in-hand. That asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
If something in this episode stirred something in you, let it. Let it be the sign to check in with your spouse. To schedule that therapy session. To take the walk and have the conversation you’ve been avoiding. To speak what’s been buried.
Marriage isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about growing. And sometimes, it’s about starting again, even with someone you’ve known forever.
To Martin and Heila, thank you for your courage, your faith, and your love. Your story reminds us that redemption is real. And we’re better for knowing you.
Here’s to building better — together!
Justin & Sarah