Manders

Im not gonna tell you my stroke experience because that's not what you came here for. I wish I could tell you a clear cut yes or no answer. Unfortunately, with stroke, there is no one (not even a doctor) who can tell you what is permanent and what will go away. You have to take one day at a time and remember to focus on the positives. You have come so far!!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!!

lol my mom is my hot button as well. If im on the phone with her and I get even the slightest attitude. She comes back with "did you take your medicine today?" and then I just go off. She sure knows how to p*** me off lol

Acceptance is a really hard stage to reach. There is no magic way to get their either. For me, acceptance was difficult but I finally reached it once I started looking at my stroke as an accomplishment. I am so proud to say that I am a stroke survivor and I defied all odds, Surviving a stroke is what makes you special.... Everybody in life has a story. Ours is that we survived a stroke. A good friend of mine just had a stillbirth Another friend of mine just lost her son in a car accident. How do they find acceptance? We all have a story. You are no different Kelli. You can either let life knock you down or you can stand up and be a source of inspiration for others. Forget the stroke, you are the way you are because thats how God made you. Maybe you have a short temper, maybe you get overwhelmed easily...etc but that is just you. "Stroke" days happen, but when they do I just breathe and remember that crying doesnt get me anywhere. Asha said it best, Happiness is a choice and I will add to that. Happiness is something we create... Best of luck to you kelli. I love you girl!! You are strong!!!

This summer will be six years since my stroke. I am realizing more and more that stroke lasts a lifetime. I guess I was hoping that one day I would wake up and this would all be over. Brain injury is something that never goes away. Last week I spoke in front of 600 people at a fundraiser for the hospital that saved my life. I enjoy talking about my stroke but it makes me remember my pre-stroke life which often saddens me My stroke left me completely helpless. I had to relearn to walk, talk, swallow, brush my hair, tie my shoe, write...etc I had a great team of professionals that helped me recover 90% Today I have two boys. I work full time and I go to school On the outside I look like im completely fine However, my brain is broken....im broken I once read that victims of brain injury who near fully recover sometimes have the hardest time finding acceptance. That is definitely me. Its like when you are a child and your dog dies and your parents go out the next day and buy you a dog that looks exactly the same. I may look and sound the same, but I am very different... I will always miss the old me. Nobody will miss her more than I do... But this is my new life. Its okay to visit the past, we just cant stay there. Today I move forward. I must let her go....I will always love you Amanda but I have to move on