The more you do things like that the more you will remember without the ache. Was sharing picture with a friend this week, most of them before stroke and I know I did those things, I remember and I have pictures to prove it but in a sense though I know it was me, it isn't me in a way. I guess I remember but I don't, too. I thought that would make me sad but it doesn't much. I'm getting to be more okay with who I am and just smile at the woman I was.

Nancy: now that we are in a less hectic, kind of normal routine: finances straightened out, budget set, work, therapies; there are still times, mainly when driving home from work, that I actually expect Bruce to be home and starting dinner. Then I remember stroke.

It is bittersweet, yes. Your heart breaks all over again. I take a minute to recenter and I will always, be glad to be home with him. That has not changed. And I love seeing the light in his eyes and his smile when he greets me. So yes, there are certainly aspects of pre-stroke that are there. And we are so lucky in that they are examples of the love and trust we share. Debbie

Nancy :

I agree with Jamie. you have to start building new things with new Dan & soon you will not have that ache & wil be relaced by new love.

Asha

Well said Jamie. Those precious moments that you think of as old times are in fact your new times now and so you can reminisce on the present to remind you of what you can look forward to instead of what you left behind.