The New Year

Remember when Prince sang, "We're gonna party like it's 1999?" Man, that seemed so far off. Now it's so far behind us. At the end of a year everyone lists resolutions but these are a bit different. These are just ramblings, just thoughts of mine that I pass on to you.

With that in mind, here we go...

I hope 2015 brings you joy, good cheer and lots of gains so the bad times from stroke can recede further in your rear view mirror. When you're new at this you can't fathom that life will get better as time goes on. I'm further down the road and I'm here to tell you it does get better. 

Just hang on.

Here's to the caregivers of the world. Without them by our side life would be...you fill in the blank. They deserve all the love and respect we can muster. They need to be told often how important they are. 'Cause they are. They're the ones who help us (how's that Army commercial go?) be all that we can be. They're also the ones who put up with us and for that, they're oh so special.

Like you, I never thought I'd be where I am today. When I was young I would see bald men and think, "bad career move." Well, I'm kinda bald. Health problems seemed to happen to other people. Well, they happened to me. BUT. That doesn't mean you just roll into a ball and give up. 

Don't do that. You have to keep on keeping on.

Let me tell you about something I stumbled onto, Stroke Talk for Facebook. It's on Facebook, of course, and it's a forum where survivors and caregivers can go to get information, hugs, and talk to like minded people. Big ups to it for receiving us with open arms. It is so nice knowing you're not alone and that there are people who can help you navigate this path. And to answer questions that you can't ask anyone else. Check it out. I find it, and the people on it, very helpful.

Stroke Talk for Facebook

There is nothing quite like finding out that what you thought was the end of the road, isn't. Here's to finding out that what you thought was, is not what is. Sound goofy? Stroke survivors know what I'm talking about.  I'm constantly amazed I can do something in this new life that I thought I'd never do again.

I'll give you an example...I fill up the coffee pot every morning with water and walk it to the coffee maker holding it with my left hand.  I'm right handed, but this way I don't spill or drop it. My stroke, you see, affected my right side.  I add the grounds and turn the coffee maker on. That I can still do that, still contribute, is most important. The house smells like it always did in the morning. Doing it left handed is the new reality but I'm still making the coffee. Even in a wheel chair, you can't give up. Keep pushing yourself, keep striving to do better, to be better.

Raise a glass to the new year. I can't see the future but I know this, it will be better, it will be brighter.

Make it that way.

Happy New Year.


For more information on Stroke Talk for Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/strokeforFBsupport/

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