• entries
    576
  • comments
    803
  • views
    100,467

About this blog

Highlights of simple things observed that were taken for granted pre stroke

Entries in this blog

self fulfilling prophecy

I see why can't we concentrate on the positive side of self fulfilling prophecyalso I've often heard when you do positive things they return tenfold which is true but I also believe that it's true of negative things if you're mean to somebody it returns to you tenfold whether you're mean or nice positive or negative it's in the cosmos and its going to be coming back to you what do you think? Peace and prayers Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Spring showers

How wonderful I settled out side with NY coffee this morning I love the smell in the air after a spring shower and my neighbors iris are in full bloom What a beautiful mixture of smells Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Still positive

Last week I had an eye exam from an ophthalmologist, I finally got the results today I had to return for additional feilf vision tests 20/30 and 20/25 but substantial impairment of my perefferual vision limited to 29 degrees to the right and non existence to the left I meet the criteria for legal blindness. I now need to contact the commission for the blind to determine what services I nay ve able to get   Also sending a copy of letter to SSA DD Not sure if it will help or not but I am le

Jayallen

Jayallen

Not missing the rat race just the people

In front of my favorite coffee house are two rocking chairs I love to grab a cup of really good coffee and watch the rats go by each an individual in their own car I was once one of those rats I rather enjoy soaking up the sun and vitamin D The subtle noises interrupted only by birds cherrping and a flock of Canadian geese headed north I do miss the people My vo worker and the developmentally disabled people we supported in the community Now I'm helping stroke survivors on their journey

Jayallen

Jayallen

One with nature

Once again today walking up the street to catch the bus I heard new birds in the hood. In fact a woodpecker has moved into the area None f them seem to mind we walking around so I guess I'm finally one with nature either that or they are just ignoring me shopping I'll go away Wow just like my kids. Lol Peace to all It is a glorious day Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

shopping with visual impairnent

My sister in law asked me to go grocery shopping with her to walmmart I never go there too big and crowded I found the items she requested and joy of all joys I didn't run my cart into anyone I came close a few times but I saw them at thee last second and move away I'm proud of myself   Another victory that only you folks can appreciate Thanks for being here for me life is good Peace and prayers Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Hard work pays off

I encountered a friend I haven't seen in iver 2 year long before my stroke After chatting about family I couldn't recall his wife's name I said you know I had a stroke 18 months ago He said I knew you had the stroke but I was thinking it was 3/4 years ago you look so good As you know the residuals impact of a stroke are hidden I.e.memory issues weakness on one side But what a kind thing to say 18months is still early in my recovery but he was impressed with my mobility etc Life is grand

Jayallen

Jayallen

Pants on standing up

I managed to get dressed this morning without sitting down Of course it took me four times as long as it would have if I had sent down I had to stop and start multiple times Just another step closer to the old me within the new normal You have to love those small victories Peace and prayer to all Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Spring showers

While making my coffee this morning I heard the patter if rain drops with an early morning rain I opened the window I love the fresh smell in the air as the rain begins to fall What a blessing to be here to witness such a beautiful event I think I want to go for a walk Peace and prayers to all Jay Not even a moderate rain can stop the birds from singing

Jayallen

Jayallen

Oh what a beautiful day

Of course everyday is beautiful Watching the sun trying to burn off the early morning fog as u walk up to catch the bus to start my day the mourning doves greet me with their songs I smile to hear them sing so sweet Peace to all Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Another glorious day

While having coffee on the patio watching the sun glisten of the waters of Lake Huron I hear the groan of the giant Diesel engine of of loaded lake freighter heading south to Cleveland Breakfast time birds cheering to each other Two duck swim along with a school if small fish bobbing like we did for apples As querulous looks at and begins yelling at me between bites of his acorn What a beautiful thing to witness Peace and prayers Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Stroke the gift that keeps on giving

An acquaintance suggested I see an opthamoligust because as a result of the stroke and my visual impairment I may be considered legally blind opening up opportunities for more services Wow I thought applying for disability was a hard decision after working for 40 years Now this! Tuesday marks 18 months for me as a survivor Stating positive but what a choice to make another challenge Emotionally and mentally I'm going to call around Monday to see if any one accepts my medicaid All things

Jayallen

Jayallen

National Nurses(appreciation) week

If you or loved one or even if you're heard of outstanding care by a nurse make time to say thank-you even a simple card bring delight to others Peace and prayers Jay   From:

Jayallen

Jayallen

My Icu Nurse

I ran across this Facebook Post of an encounter with my ICU nurse last fall. about a year after my aneurysm and stroke. it brings a tear to my eyes when I read it. I don't do Facebook but my daughter does and sent this to me.   enjoy.   my ICU nurse Jenny. while out to lunch this afternoon man can up to my table and said" I hate to bother you but are you Jenny?" I knew immediately who he washed said " I'm Jay you took care of me at Henry Ford." I got out of my seat a I think I flew into

Jayallen

Jayallen

Follow up visit

I went back to the hospital today I used to visitor pass to visit my new friend I told her Not here in an official captivity but as a friend I asked if I could check on here every few days I hope is getting as much out of visits as I am Peace jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Finally got to work with a fellow survivor

Saturday was my first day actually working with stroke survivors on the inpatient rehab unit at the hospital As I introduced myself as a patient bass and I told the woman that I needed to Jott notes of any comments because since my stroke my memory is really bad Her face lit up and she said you had a stroke? I could see the tension leaving her body the orealizing she wasn't alone I told her the physical therapy is worth all the tiredness that goes with it because it pays off in the long run

Jayallen

Jayallen

Good people

I used to say good people are hard to find I've discovered good people are very easy to find you just have to look for them they're everywhere From the pharmacist it sees couple hundred people a day that knows you through your first and last name To the wonderful people at the coffee house to hang out at when I walk in the door it's always a big smile and welcome how are you today? I guess it all comes down to attitude Positive people attract positive people And I seem to be attracting a l

Jayallen

Jayallen

Sunday fun

Another amazing sunrise Beautiful sunshine north wind off Lake Huron keeping the temps low Buses done run on Sunday I need contact so here I am To anyone and everyone how is your Sunday shaping up ? I plan on making my lasagna for dinner my wife getting ready to leave for work Home alone I need social connections even via the web I'm reaching out to my friends and fellow survivors Peace out Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Your attitude is showing

On a day I was struggling I shared a cup of coffee with a new friend at my coffee house He thanked for my positive attitude and outlook on life he said thanks to meeting me he has committedto a positive attitude and tried to turn negative situations into a positive He told me that was day 73 of soberity And he has already noticed an impact on the behavior of his house mates with his new positive attitude So rember the energy you put out in the world had an impact whether you know it or not

Jayallen

Jayallen

Progress slow

Yesterday friend of mine who is a PA Stop by the house just to chat As we were talking he interrupted me so I really hate interrupt you but it's nice to see you using your left hand to talk again I joke with my wife's family who is Italian that they've converted me into an Italian when I married into the family or use my hands to talk It's nice to have a medical professional as a friend stop by maybe once a month or so just just to chat but notices the small improvements Not only does he no

Jayallen

Jayallen

Good friends

Good friends stay by through good and bad   While in ICU my dear friends Pam and him came to visit and support my family I'm told while standing at my bedside him said " hurry up and get better when you get out I'll pick you up with a case a beer and the van full of naked women" I'm told my BP started to rise quickly so the nurses kicked them out if the ICU   Once again nurses have no sense of humor Peace Jay

Jayallen

Jayallen

Connection made right place right time

Back at the coffee house I hear a gentleman say I guess I'm a coffee snob of course I said coffee snob unite He said he travels a lot and he hated hotel coffee and got online and found this place He fell in love with it So I said to travel what do you do? He works IT for the healthcare company that bought the hospital where I volunteer   I told him I was volunteer there and I told him I'm a stroke survivor and what I'm doing he thanked me for my work I said I'm benefiting from the wor

Jayallen

Jayallen

Another blessing today

I met a man at the coffee house the other day 2 yrs older than me but we struck up a friendship right away Today he said to me how thankful he was for my positive attitude He is decided to live his life with a positive attitude towards everything turning the negatives into positives as best you can He also confided in me that he just finished inpatient alcohol rehab program and this is day 73 of sobriety I relayed to him that his positive comments to me when we come back to him tenfold as w

Jayallen

Jayallen

Another glorious day

Drinking my coffee this morning I saw the most beautiful sunrise below the storm clouds bright orange red I took the advice of a fellow survivor wrote down my list of struggles turned them over to god The one and only thing I can control my revised application for Medicaid coverage my wonderful daughter helped me complete the last minute details and took it to hand deliver it to my case worker I'm so blessed to have the family I do and my friends Life is grand I'm working to stay positive

Jayallen

Jayallen

Today is a struggle

Medicaid delayed The paperwork I need to submit my daughter has and she's working No insurance still Social Security wants an updated neuropsychological evaluation last one done 4/10/14 Can't afford to pay for neuropsych evaluation it cost $2000 I stopped by my favorite coffeehouse Where I joke with one of the workers there that I always need my Skyler fix I explained to her my situation today and why am struggling And she said to me don't worry everything will work out I believe in kar

Jayallen

Jayallen