You have great insight, and I admire your courage!  Keep up the good work.

Thank you for posting this. i needed to read this today especially.

I have made the choice to not accept this is the end of my goals and dreams and it is hard when I have hit walls and have to readjust things. But after reading this I realize that I am staying re-abled. I just didn't know it was that. I don't think depression is my enemy but acceptance is my enemy if I give in and give up. the depression is just my neon sign that things are not right.  I feel empowered after reading about your resolve. Thank you for sending some strength out here on the wavelengths.

I too want my loved ones to go out there and do whatever and not have to worry about me and I too then feel more unable or disabled when they are gone! I think it is just the safety net is missing. I am not left alone for very long though not days so I am not really able to compare myself to your total independence but I sure envy your ability to be so independent.  It is just quieter which is time to be with myself and isn't that a kind of scary place to be sometimes without all the other distractions and only my own thoughts. Then again how nice to hear myself think eh.

It sounds like you have indeed had a very keen connection with Carol and you just miss her when she is away.  You are dependent on her not only for the assistance she gives but her companionship. How wonderful you are for giving her the gift of spending time with her family.  I bet she is worrying and thinking of you too now though.  she will be back soon and have stories to share with you.

I too live with pain and so I know how hard it is to keep up spirits when the body is broken and I am going to keep that as my mantra as well to say that my body is broken and my spirit is not.

Thank you and I hope you will post more.

I hope everyone who uses StrokeNet will read your marvelous, positive, upbeat post. I just gave it five stars and would have doubled that had it been possible. To read you vowing to be "re-abled" rather than disabled  (I love that term and intend to borrow it shamlessly hence forth) after all these years of post-stroke living was inspiring. You stand in stark contrast to those who, perhaps understandably, see thier plight as hopeless and their avenues for help as either non-existent or corrupt. You are the optimist swimming proudly and powerfully and even joyfully in a sea of pessimism and cynicism. You have opted to play the hand that was dealt you as successfully as you can where others would have long ago folded. Good for you. And congratulations.

I'm glad you not only discovered StrokeNet but have seen fit to post on it as well. In so doing you have performed a terrific service to others who come here. Your spirit shines through brightly and your voice resonates powerfully. Thank you very much for that. And good luck, my new online acquaintance. Hang on to that great attitude you have someone managed to acquire. You are one more strong gal.