Chapter VII: Life After Stroke

Four years after Barbie’s stroke we’ve learned how resilient you can be and how you can adjust to a tough situation. It is so unfortunate to see families and friends give up on loved ones when the going gets tough with stroke and other afflictions one might encounter in life.

Further, you quickly discover that as a married couple the reality is that “we had a stroke.” Together, our life changed dramatically on that December morning in 2006.

When the stroke hit, it was hard to imagine enjoying life again. Now we are so thankful for what we have and look forward to for the future. Basically, you learn how to “play the hand you are dealt” by working hard and still trying to have fun with patience and tolerance, realizing how precious life together is each and every day.

Our children (Britt and Brandon) matured so quickly. Both have graduated from college and married since the stroke. Our new son-in-law is Andy Platt from Dayton, Ohio, and daughter-in-law is Kelly Blomer Knutson from Cincinnati. All the kids (now adults) are in their own homes and part of the working class. Not to mention our loving grand dog Baxter and his aunt, Bianca (our Yorkie). We blinked and everyone grew up, including us. We are very proud of this crew and blessed by Barb’s presence.

We thoroughly enjoy working with the American Heart Association, other affiliated charities and alliance partners. So many rewarding doors have opened for us through these relationships.

Initially, we did not know if Barb would ever walk or talk again. She did 18 months in a wheelchair but now gets around very well with a cane and the use of a non-invasive bionic EFS (electronic foot stimulation). She also continues to do daily therapy, riding her customized exercise bike and doing speech therapy with her assistant. Barb works by doing mailings for Bruce’s company, cooks and shops with her mother, Grace, weekly. Additionally, she has become quite the social butterfly at a couple of clubs that she frequents as a member. It is amazing the progress that Barbie has made and the quality of life she experiences today.

Clearly life is different, yet we feel that we are finally getting our feet on the ground. Barb is very independent in her a new house, with the adjustments that were made to accommodate her needs. Bruce is back on the golf course, taking pictures of sunsets and painting landscapes.

Our point here, is for all of those who are dealing with a stroke or another tough challenge, it helps to focus on the positive. No one is exempt from having issues, “that’s life.” Be thankful for what you have.

No Regrets... Kiss Slowly... Forgive Quickly... Bring Love, Joy and Peace to your heart. “Attitude of Gratitude” & Keep your “Happy Channel” on!

Remember:

• Ability - is what you are capable of
• Motivation - determines what you do
• Attitude - determines how well you do it!