A year into his second marriage, Don Schwab had a stroke. It left him completely voiceless. But now, his wife Karen says, the communication is better than ever.

The love Don and Karen have for one another is plain to see, expressed subtly but clearly in a lingering gaze or a gentle touch on the hand. Karen talks for the both of them, yet she says she never has to guess what Don is thinking or what it is he wants. Sometimes he brings his mouth to his hand to mime feeding himself, to let her know he’s hungry. Other times a look is all it takes.

"The way he looks at me sometimes after I've done something for him that I know he appreciates, things like that — the hug that he gives me, the kiss that he gives me, the simple touch — that doesn't change, that hasn't changed," she told CBS affiliate KVOR.

The Schwabs have been married for 15 years, but when Don, a man whose voice used to be deep and powerful, suffered his stroke, doctors told Karen to prepare for the end. "They said if you have family, gather them and get your affairs in order." Months went by, and slowly Don regained his strength. Today he can walk with the aid of a walker.

Like any relationship, the couple has faced some unique difficulties. But getting past initial frustrations is what has made them so strong today, Karen says. "You just have to accept it and make the best of it and get on with your life."