I Am A Survivor

I am a father, son, brother, and friend.  I am also a survivor.  I have survived a fatal auto accident, the death of a spouse (which occurred in the auto accident), a failed business, a failed marriage, and depression. Today I speak to you as a stroke survivor. I want to state up front that mine is not a story of despair and doom. If it were, then that is the end of my story. Mine is a story of hope and triumph. I know this is not the end. I have had plenty, and I have done without. I have been blessed and I have been cursed. I have heard the voice of God, and I have had many doubts. Through it all, I am still here. I still have a story to tell, and I still have an adventure of some sort to live.

I still carry scars from my stroke. My right side is numb, and my senses of smell and taste have been knocked hard. I am also extremely fortunate. My stroke was very mild as strokes go. I have no face droop, no blurred vision, no slurred speech and my brain still functions rather normally. I will live with a new normal for the rest of my life. I know the chances of me having a second stroke are much greater than someone my age having a first stroke. I accept all of it. I know the circumstances that brought about my stroke are largely my fault, and that I can take steps to minimize the likelihood of a second stroke. I will go forward with this second chance and do all I can to get it right this time.

I have learned that the best way to survive a stroke is to do all you can to prevent one in the first place. All strokes are a result of high blood pressure, so monitor your pressure and do what you can to keep it in a healthy range. Eat right, watch your salt intake, eat bananas (potassium), get plenty of exercise, live smoke-free, limit alcohol consumption, reduce stress. Some factors you cannot control. Age, sex, genetics play a role. No one is 100% immune from having a stroke. The best way to reduce stress is exercise. Get that nervous energy out of you. And learn to lean on your faith and trust God. In the immediate aftermath of my stroke, I had many people praying for me, and have I found that comforting. God gives me a second chance everyday, and I am so grateful for that.

Another stress reducer that we do not often think of is a grateful heart. A soul filled with gratitude is a happy soul. I have been blessed with so many people who have helped me in my times of need. I hope I have remembered to say thank you to each of you. Learn to appreciate the efforts of others, even if it is not perfect by your standards. Yes, I am a survivor. I have had much help along the way. I embark on a new normal, and I look forward to where it will take me.