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Wow.
It’s been on helluva trip. One year ago on April 9th I had my stroke. I went from everyday guy to stroke survivor in about twenty seconds. It’s been a long journey this year both physically and mentally. I won’t lie, I’ve had days where I nearly felt like cursing God for doing this to me. Most days was quiet acceptance that this indeed would be with me for the rest of my life.
Struggling with a stroke for me has been a emotional and spiritual battle. For me, my stroke wasn’t as physically disabling as most. My left side still responds slower and my leg likes to act up once in awhile. When I don’t take my medication on a regular basis my brain goes into wandering mode. My speech patterns were affected in small but irritating ways. All of these were struggles I have had to overcome.
They still are. Each day is a chance to figure out how to live life with a stroke. I’ll be the first to admit that there are times I’ve felt like a failure both at my job and in my personal life. Guess what? I’m still fighting, I’m still alive and there’s no way in the clouds of Heaven above or the fires of Hell below that I’ll be ceding any ground to this thing.
I’ve recently been following numerous people on twitter who are survivors of every terrible malady you can imagine (and more). I’ve come to a healthy appreciation of my life, struggles and future. There are so many others out there that deal with so much more and have managed to make something so great out of something so terrible it moves me to humble embarrassment.
And so as my continued journey continues I begin counting the days towards being two years stroke free. I’ve got this blog to help me, my video blog at the ready and even my radio show that’s expected to start up again.
It’s been a long year but I celebrate the fact that I’m better off than I was before the stroke. I’m at a gym every night. I’m eating healthier. I’m finding hope, even if sometimes I have to dig deep to find it.
That’s why my site motto is, “about life, liberty & the pursuits”. You can’t sit back and wait for life to get better. You gotta pursue it. Tackle it. Slap it around a little.
Maybe with less slapping.
Lorraine Meredith
/ April 24, 2009Congradulations on one yr anniversary post stroke.
I was 4 yrs post stroke Dec.1,2008
I cherish each day positively. Life changes after stroke,but you will find or have already found positive aspects of stroke.
My life has changed very much and mostly for the better now.
Take care
Lorraine
Trench Reynolds
/ April 24, 2009It’s been a year already? It doesn’t seem that long ago when I first found out. I’m glad you’re doing good because the world needs more people like you.
Aaron DeLay
/ April 25, 2009@Lorraine Meredith
Lorraine,
If you’re interested in sharing your story I’m planning on doing some “Stroke Awareness” month things around here and on youtube. Let me know if you’re interested.
Aaron DeLay
/ April 25, 2009@Trench Reynolds
Aw, I feel all warm and loved. I’m not sure the world wants much more of me…:)
Kat
/ April 25, 2009Congrats on a year in. Here’s to another year stroke free. ~K xxx
Julie
/ May 12, 2009Wow,my 2 year D day will be July 25 of this year. It’s always a little scary when that day comes around. I was just recently convinced by my mother to start blogging about my experience,so I was browsing around looking to see if there was anyone out there like myself and I find you! It’s nice to know I’m not the only young person out there who has had a stroke! Any way reading your blog has given me a little more confidence so thank you. an good luck.
Aaron DeLay
/ May 22, 2009@Kat
Thank you Kat! I’m looking forward to the journey to year two!
Aaron DeLay
/ May 22, 2009@Julie
Julie,
and good luck to you! I’ll start checking your blog and reading about your struggle. Glad my blog gave you a confidence boost! Surviving a stroke is just that…SURVIVAL! But it never owns you. thanks for the comment!