Sunday, February 1, 2015

Ground Hog Day

I had my stroke five years ago on Ground Hog day.

I don't think I realized that my life had probably changed forever. How can anyone be prepared for such a radical change? Mercifully, I was in a fog. Also, I was also focused on getting through every day.



The fog is still clearing. I have made huge progress in five years. Daily life is still frustrating, but my life is OK. In fact, I have some pretty great days. I'm not so overwhelmed by fatigue every day. Although it might sound strange, I enjoy many of the challenges of recovery.


I still feel guilty about making all this extra work for my husband. But, as he has said many times, it's not like I asked for a stroke. I also get really sad about the time I've missed with my kids. But when I look at photos of them with my extended family, I get teary: my children got so much love from all the other people in their lives.

On this anniversary, I'm going to make it official: I'm taking a break from blogging. I have so many projects that had been on hold, and now I finally have the energy to tackle some of them.

The blog has been great therapy.  I had just enough language and cognitive skills to get the blog going. It helped me work on my language, and it helped me feel connected with so many people. For a long time, it was hard for me to have a conversation in real time, but I could write--in a slow and painstaking way--about my altered life. The blog helped me to be heard.


18 comments:

  1. As another stroke survivor is fond of saying: Be well, do good work, keep in touch.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a fellow stroke survivor, I've really enjoyed following your blog. I wish you well!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grace,
    It's good to realize how far you have come. In today's hectic schedules, it's easy to forget. I use my blog to work on mine too so maybe I'll once again be the author I once was.

    When people read what I am accomplishing they are in awe by my recovery, but there is oh so far to go.You'll get there too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jo. I'm always in awe by how much you do!

      Delete
  4. I'm so proud and happy for you. I believe that trauma and hardships make really strong and compassionate people. You have an understanding of reality that most people only think they do. You have a gift to truly empathize with others and offer wisdom from experience. You have the ability now to treasure every sweet, crazy, ordinary moment of your life and your children's lives. You are in the the present; mindful of it's fragility. I admire you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks, Judy.

    Is this the Judy I know from Brackett? The feeling is mutual.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've enjoyed reading your blog, Grace, and being reminded of the delicate beauty of every day life. I wish you well on your next adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  7. As sorry as I a m to say good-bye to your quirky, honest blog, I am pleased that you have come so far in your recovery, even in the time I've known you. Keep in touch, please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Barb. One of my projects is to write a review (finally!) of your great book (if the snow days ever stop...)

      Delete
  8. I have enjoyed getting to know you through blogging and will miss your blog but I celebrate that you are now moving on to new projects. Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, your blog often kept me going. Your workplace is lucky to have you.

      Delete
  9. The grin on your face in the final photograph created a priceless memory for me. I always enjoyed reading your posts. Good luck with your new projects. I know your humor, insight, and determination will serve you well.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you, Rebecca.

    I will continue to be an avid reader of your blog. It has been a great help. I hope you'll let me know if you happen to be in the Boston area!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful Blog! For your readers looking for help with speech recovery for aphasia see http://www.speechtherapyaphasia.com/

    ReplyDelete
  12. this is a one great blog you have written...truly inspiring..For New Yorkers if really wanna avoid Stroke consider Dr. Birendra Trivedi in your list. really a helpful neurologist

    ReplyDelete