Feb 5, 2017
FEBRUARY 5...A date that seems to have followed me for many of my life's journies...The date for many anniversaries and memories...So, let's see... February 5....
1977 - Got Married
1980 - Closed on our first....and only...house
2008 - Massive life altering event that changed my life's 'course and perspective...
I often hear the phrase, and I've used it myself, "don't let the stroke define you" I get that..I really do, but don't all of our life experiences define who we are? When I got married, I went from sharing my room with my little sister to sharing space with a man I had committed to spend my life with. (Sorry, my grammar police...shouldn't emd with "with") And here we are, 40 years (how did that happen???) today! 40 years, ups, downs, twists, turns and I continue to learn more about myself and this man who stood by, encouraged me and helped me do things for myself and is the Chief Volunteer for the ABC Brigade.
When we moved from our great old apartment to owning a home, (a wrecked place that desparately needed TLC), there were changes in life that were unexpected, challenging and exciting.
When stroke took its viciously swift blow, I thought I was pretty much done...I'm pretty sure we all did! However, I realized that that single event forced me to see the world differently...I had great professional care. My primary Dr., who I avoided at all costs Before Stroke "BS", is now my go-to for questions, advice. I had the greatest neurologist who would always take the time to answer my questions..don't even get me started on the therapists and nurses I had... My siblings, nieces and nephews and friends all rallied around me. AND I learned that I had raised two young adults that did not abandon, treat me as a burden, but who stepped right up and did what they needed to do while both just taking their first steps out in that big world.
So, today, February 5, using those three events, I realize that my choices, life's unexpected "interruptions" have defined me...still not sure where that "Bullhead" gene comes from, but as my husband has said many times, "It really paid off this time!" .
So, my fellow stroke survivors...you may have learned as a result of your stroke that "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know". So, while this life altering, sometimes seemingly insurmountable "interruption" causes you to reflect on qualities you may have never known about yourself, then stroke does define you, but in that same breath ...because of all those courageous characteristics surfaced, then YOU will be the one to "define" this stroke ... not vice versa!!
HAPPY FEBRUARY 5.... 40/9
Kathy