Today is the second anniversary of my stroke.
Two years ago at this exact time I was still feeling “normal”. About three hours from now I was lying on my floor paralyzed.  2 days from now I was fighting for my life.  New Years Eve 2013 was the worst day of my life.  January 1, 2014 was the best day of my life.  I had looked death in the eye and told it I wasn’t ready yet, and started the uphill climb to where I am today.  And i’ll continue on that climb for the rest of my life – but that is  not as bad as it may seem.   I’ve learned a lot about myself  and what I’m capable of, and I’m very proud of what I’ve done so far.   The doctors didn’t think I would survive the night and I did.    Then they figured I would be in a home for the rest of my life. I am – but it’s my home and not an institutionalized one.   I still have problems and  i’ll have some for the rest my life, but what those problems will be I’m really not sure yet.

But that’s OK. What happened, happened and I have accepted that.  As far back as I can remember after the stroke I understood that my life would never be the  same.  I think being able to accept that as soon as I did has made the transition to this new life a lot easier.  My wife often tells me she is surprised that I have such a positive outlook after all I have been through but the fact that I’m here today to write this it a perfect example of why I have that attitude… I am here and not just a memory.  So don’t ever feel sorry for me because that would really hurt Me.  I have never felt sorry for myself and no one else should either.  Instead, look at what I have accomplished and feel proud of me.

So here’s to another year.  It will be a good one, just like the last one was.

So have a happy new year and I’ll talk to you on January 1, when I have more to write.  Be safe.