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2 Year Anniversary

 It is now 2 years since I had my stroke. In many ways it seems like a lifetime ago. I have had to learn so many things. Some were new ways of doing things, some were giving up on things that I used to do, and some were totally new to me. The biggest thing was perhaps the idea that it was OK to have a variety of mobility aids depending on how I felt at the time and how far I intended to go! I have realized how much we all take for granted too. Using a rollater, walker, cane, wheelchair (manual or powered) has been quite an experience. It has also been a reminder of how many places are either closed to many people or are very difficult to access! It has also been a reminder of a) how many different types of disabilities there are, b) how many people are affected by them, and c) the wide range of adaptations there are! When I go to The Center For Individuals With Physical Challenges (The Center), I am just another person, part of a population of others with some kind of limitation. W...
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1.5 Years Ago

It's been a year and a half now since I had my stroke. I guess that in many ways I have been very fortunate. I am able to see a lot of things have happened in the last year and a half. I really had not had that many bad things happen. Its annoying that I have this ataxia but it could be a lot worse! I have often referred to having a stroke as Ram Dass I says, I've been stroked. Some thing's I I'm not able to do anymore because of the ataxia that affects some stuff on on my right side.  I can't express enough gratitude for my friends because they've pushed me to do more than I thought I could. They've also encouraged me on this journey. They've not turned their back on me all through this experience  I am also grateful for the people who were my physical, occupational, and speech therapists. They really set the pattern for me to keep working to improve my abilities. The same can be said about the people at the hospital and the rehab center! They really di...
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It is one long lesson!

It's been a long hard journey that has not been without a lot of lessons. I think the biggest lesson I've had is the importance of gratitude, humility and patience with myself! There's been so many things I've had to learn how to do again or I had to learn how to do them differently! Also there were some things I learned I couldn't do at all. It also has been a lesson in learning how to be appreciative of the people who want to help me. This includes being willing to ask for help!   I know that I have a lways been very independent. I would take care of myself very often. This was a common thing for me. Learning how to accept help has been humbling in many ways. I'm also very glad to have had the opportunity to learn that. I have had to learn how to be patient with myself. It Has been difficult not get critical of myself. I have a high expectations of myself and I place high demands on myself. I've had to learn a lot of things but I've had a lot of good t...
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With a little help from friends

The other day I happened to mention that I sent a text to several friends that mean a lot to me. I do it on a daily basis! I started to think about it! I do it for myself mostly!  I woke up on June 5, 2024 only because a co-worker came to see what was going on since I didn't show up for work! Since I live alone, it was only too easy to lay there until someone checked on me! By texting daily, I am letting someone know that I woke up each day! Conversely it lets some people know I'm up and starting the day. I almost didn't wake up last year! That ts a real wake up call - pardon the pun! I also realized that a number of people cared, or I cared about certain people more than I realized at the time! Some others I added to that short list as time went on. It also allowed me the chance to let these people know I care about them. This has been a humbling experience in many ways! I have learned to rely on these people to show me just how precious being simply alive is! I like being...
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One Year Anniversary

Well it is now my one year anniversary of my stroke! In many ways I thought that I would be pretty much back to "normal" by now! Well that just shows how wrong I can be! A few things I will not be able to do again! Many things I can do, but with anywhere from a little, to a lot of modification or assisting equipment! There are some things that will take a bit more time too. I am glad that I started going to The Center too. It is a regular reminder that things could be a lot different and difficult for me! Some stuff I have to contract out, like my lawn work, cleaning my gutters and other stuff! I needed to start outsourcing that kind of stuff anyway! I continue to be able to do things that a few months ago were not possible! Some days are better than others too. Some days start not so good and end up pretty good. Other days are quite the opposite! By and large though most of the time, if I pace myself, I do pretty well - considering! I have learned patience as well as findin...
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Retirement Rethought

Having had the stroke nearly a year ago, I have been forced to redefine my "retirement". There are some things I am no longer able to do. There are other things that take longer but  can still be done. Yet other things that must be relearned but once mastered are much like they once were. That is comparatively rare though! Most things require adaptations and modification! Last night for example, I made a meatloaf using half venison and half hamburger. In the past the preparation time would have been 15 to 20 minutes. Yesterday it was close to 45 minutes! Also carrying it to and from the oven was quite an adventure! Once upon a when, that was no problem. Now however, with a wonky right hand, and arthritis setting up, as well as problems walking without something to aid with balancing, it was a slow challenge! The thing to remember though, is that I accomplished it! This is the case with many things. I have to take my time and be careful and patient! Many things can be accompli...
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And the time goes on

I have been going to The Center For Individuals With Physical Challenges on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a month now. They offer many programs geared toward people with physical challenges to help with social, arts, sports, and  fitness! It is strange but I drove by there for years but never knew what it was! It is now giving me social contact as well as exercise of my brain and body! I'm even driving to The Center! I haven't ventured out of town yet but I'm getting braver all the time! Though recovery is progressing it is slow by my feelings, but this is my personal expectations. I have learned through comparison to others, I am quite lucky and am recovering well! This cool wet weather is not my friend either! I can tell that since the stroke, some things have become more noticeable too, like my arthritis! While I may not be able to do some of the things I once did, but that doesn't mean that I won't adapt some things to what I can do! I intend to do some things I on...
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