Oct 1, 2017
Hi Everyone....I guess I would never make it as a professional blogger...given the length of time between blogs.
Lots of thoughts here today after a very wonderful outpouring of support and encouragement last night Just wanted to share a little. I have the very distinct privilege of meeting new survivors and their families on an almost daily basis...It is my passion and has become that dream job I looked for for most of my life. Early this year, I met a young couple when I had the opportunity to speak at their rehab favility. They had been through so much...so much. As survivors, we all have our stories with our challenges, heartbreaks, insights and successes on this wild roller coaster ride called recovery. I've told this story many times but for those of you who haven't heard it, I do want to share it and for those of you who have heard it many times, please bear with me. There was a young couple living right here in St. Louis who met in a grocery store and "we liked each other"". They were from different parts of the world, no families close by, married several years and excitedly awaiting the birth of their first child when one day, something went terribly wrong. The young mother had a brain tumor. She was told that when she was six months term, her baby would have to be delivered so that she could have surgery. Well,she did deliver a beautiful little boy three months prematurely, had the surgery...then a stroke. When I met them, she could not speak. They were going from therapy directly to the hospital to visit their child every day. There were many difficult choices to make, no family close by, loss of jobs and two of the three people in the family, fighting for life.
There is good news here. Though in and out and many hurdles, baby finally got to go home at about nine months old. Mom is still working hard but has most of her speech back and Dad, the protector of thfamily universe, has proven himself a super-hero. This young couple never once asked for funds....always only seeking resources so they could find help on their own.
About a month ago, they received the devastating news that the Dr. thought the tumor had returned. The fear...rather terror, was back in their midst. They were still fighting , but the year long battle was starting to wear.
The great news is that it was not a tumor....and her we are. We (the ABC Brigade) decided to hold a first birthday party for Baby Amir who turned one today, a "stroke-a-versary party for Mom and a "we are winning the fight" for the whole family. Once the idea was out there, the number of people who came forward and what was accomplished in a very short time....there are no words. I started to list everyone here and had to quit, (you all will hear from me individually) but there was a lesson for me here. It wasn't about the fundraising...it was about our stroke community.... survivors, families, care partners, stroke professionals and those who are just in it because someone they love is a survivor. I got a text from the family today talking about the outpouring of encouragement, the offer of support, the stories from every survivor who talked to thewm and assured them.....it was a turning point for them. Yes, after stroke, we all have our stories of hardship, frustration, fear and pure rage....and yet....there they all were...bringing gifts for the baby, offering baby furniture...so many things. The highlight of my night was seeing a survivor walk in, one who at one point had given up all hope. He was not there to eat, but to make a donation. The ABC Brigade wishes we could help everyone, but I discovered it wasn't the ABC Brigade that made that party possible...it was the love and support....and neverending energy of people who "get it" and who let this family know "we've got your back", putting aside their own worries and frustrations for a little while to help someone else. It means more than anyone can ever guess to be a member of this exclusive club of which I would not have chosen to be a part. Never underestimate the power of a stroke survivor......and watch what happens when we all band together to help the one, who then finds the strength to be there for the next one....We are so lessed to be in this village!
Have agreat week!!!!
PS I promise I will really TRY to be a better blogger...I know some of you are laughing!