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About this blog

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

Entries in this blog

Another lovely sunrise

After suffering a 24 hour flu bug up early on a sunny Sunday The white yellow sunlight glistening off the waves of Lake Huron all I can say is wow Today like everyday I thank god for giving me a new lease on life I do stop to notice the little wonders daily Peace to all jay
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

Success

I havw written poetry for more than 35 years. I havealways saone of my poems moves one person than I am a success. Applying that standard to my blog;I am a successful blogger. My entire being is filled with joy when I read the comments on my posts. Such joy cannot be describe When I post to my Blog, I am free to be me. I feel a sense of purpose. If my words inspire offer encourage confort or support.   THEN LIFE IS GOOD!   Thank you all for your supportive, inspiring supportive commen
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

Glorious sun shine

While walking my dog this am just after sun rise I was blinded by the brightness but oh how glorious the warm rays felt against my face So looking forward to warmer weather so I can wear shorts and bask in the sun With sunscreen of course after a long winter and not much exposure to the sun last summer I'm sure I would be a scary sight a pastry white 53 year old loving life and appreciating every day
Jayallen

Jayallen

1

A smile of recognition

This past Saturday while grocery shopping This past Saturday while grocery shopping I encounter my daughter with her nine month old son She said look it's grandpa I said hi. dust how are you he turned toward me when he heard my voice and I saw his eyes light up with recognition and that big smile melted my heart I am so thankful I came through my anyurism and stroke to see my grand son and this latest encounter was so beautiful if I was able to drive I never would have been at that store t
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

Arrogance or ignorance

At this point my life I find a great deal of time to contemplate many things As my I was reflecting on my lightbulb moment My lightbulb moment came about four months ago. I was having coffee at my favorite coffeehouse And German kind of stumbled when he went to get up I asked him if he needed any assistance and he said "no thank you ever since my stroke my legs don't always work the way they're supposed to This was an eye-opening experience for me realizing I was not alone A few days ago
Jayallen

Jayallen

1

Survivor vs victim

Well sharing a cuppa coffee and a wonderful conversation with the gentleman I just met the other day he made a comment would like you tstroke victim and I stopped him and I said excuse me please refer to me as a survivor not a victim As I told him victims are not here to talk about it survivors are He apologized over and over again I said there's no reason to apologize I just wanted to clarify what I am that I am a stroke survivor not a stroke victim I'm looking forward to our next convers
Jayallen

Jayallen

3

Volunteering day two of training

Day two went very well the individual training me was actually shadowing me and allowed me to engage the patients myself When I asked him about this coming Saturday he said no let's do next Tuesday again there's some staff member that's on vacation we had to talk to It may only be a volunteer position but I've learned already that there are politics and egos to be contented with I'm just trying to figure out who the players are and what roles they play   As I've always said I'll play by any
Jayallen

Jayallen

0

Volunteering day one part two

I know as a patient ambassador we are looking to address patient satisfaction however we walk into the room and ask " how's it going?" Document the response My question to the man training me is do we ask any other questions I.e.how is your therapy going? How is your pain management ? How is the food? Just a few thoughts I know I've missed many any suggestions? I think we need to spend sometime getting to know the person develop a rapport What are your thoughts ?
Jayallen

Jayallen

3

Volunteering day one part one

The day is finally here I'm so excited to start this next chapter of my journey. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning up early unable to sleep full of anticipation of my new friends I will meet today I love all the suggestions given by fellow survivors Although they won't be used today I will co the to post about my journey My goal today is just learn the expectations of my role as a patient ambassador and learn my way around the hospital Anything more is icing on the cake Aiming low wit
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

Random thought

Recovery does not stop just because you have been discharged from the hospital or completed your outpatient therapy goals it is am ongoing process   Jay
Jayallen

Jayallen

1

Small victory

Last thanksgiving we took our 3 year old grandson to the Santa parade. He wanted to get on my shoulders to see better with my left side weakness I couldn't pick him up at all let alone hoist him up to my shoulders At that time I had just passed my first year post stroke I was devastated I couldn't something so dple   Yesterday he was visiting and wanted to go for a walk which we did about a block from home on the way home he proclaimed he couldn't walk anymore and papa you have to carry me I
Jayallen

Jayallen

0

Expecting

As fate would have it my first day if volunteering had to postponed due to illness ( mine) But on the bright side thank god I'm still here my oldest daughter living in Chicago called this morning she is expecting her first child that will be grandchild number 5 for me and my wife we are all so excited Glad I was home to take the call everything happens for a reason Peace to all Jayallen
Jayallen

Jayallen

0

Social contact

I'm amazed how nice it is to have social contact even if it is the people who ride the bus with me The bus my independence What a lovely thing Going for coffee then orientation for volunteer work with fellow stroke survivors I'm so happy today
Jayallen

Jayallen

3

Sunshine

Feeling Meloncoly today can't point to why So the sun is out and so am I that helps with the emotions Have a good day
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

St Patricks day celebration

It's been a long winter The town I live in has an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day It's a great deal of fun mostly seeing people who have all been cooped up inside the last five months I encountered my oldest daughter's fourth grade teacher to start the celebration The conversation went on with her needing hip replacement surgery and how she is difficult time taking a shower because she can't step over the edge of the tub and I told her that we still
Jayallen

Jayallen

2

Walking the dog

While walking the dog on the shores of Lake Huron I I notice the sounds of shifting ice and geese honking at us I am so thankful to still be here and able to witness the sunrise and hear the geese yelling at me for my intrusion into there world
Jayallen

Jayallen

2