The Long and Winding Road of Stroke Recovery

It’s been 10 years since I had a stroke. A whole decade. That’s about 1/4 of my life. That’s 10 years of walking with a cane, being an emotional basket case, and being disabled. I’m now married 21 years, my kids are teenagers, and I’m “retired.” Things sure are different.

When I first came home from the hospital, I thought this day was far away. And here I am in the blink of an eye. I thought once I could walk and talk, my stroke recovery was done. It’s only just begun…

As a younger person in the stroke survivor demographic, I have a lot of living to do. I knew the stroke would change my future, but I didn’t understand how it would change my family’s future. There have been a lot of anxiety, emotional issues, and financial strains for my family. This led to lots of doctors’ visits and therapy appointments. Lots of dreams never came true for one reason or another.

While life threw me a curve, it did open some new doors. I have met other awesome survivors and those that work with stroke patients who have become lifelong friends. I have been given opportunities to do things with and for my family that a typical working mom would not be able to do. I’ve found my love of writing again, which has saved me on many occasions. Most importantly, my faith has become stronger due to all I’ve been through.

Having a stroke has definitely been a challenge, but one I will fight every day to overcome. Here’s to several more decades of learning, growing, recovering, and loving. Cheers!