Thank you so much everyone. You guys are so great to me and I really appreciate all of the support. I moved into my one bedroom apartment last Friday. I was lucky to have my dad and brother move my stuff while my mom helped me decorate and clean. Without my car I have been stuck here just waiting on school and work to start but I enjoy the relaxation for now. I enjoy being here and having my own space. I can do whatever I want and i feel so independent.

One of the things that made me most proud was when I washed my dishes. I used my affected hand to hold the silverware while using my good hand to wash them. I wouldve never though that by starting to use my affected hand to hold my toothbrush every morning, a few years later I'd be able to use it to help me wash dishes.

Tonight as I watched N.Y. med sitting on my couch in my leaving room, tears came to my eyes. Watching the patients prepare and recover for surgery reminded me of all those brain surgeries I had to endure. Not eating the night before, not wearing any lotion the day of, having to suck on lemon swabs after surgery with a swollen face and bandaged head. Though I was young (12-13), I still remember these experiences. I remember when I would pray to God every night that I wouldnt have any seizures the next day. I remember having to get lifted in my wheelchair into my house and slowly walking through the house in my cane wondering when the day would come when I would be running through the house like a child again. Now here I am today seizure free, surgery free, and able to walk through my own apartment (blessed to be on the first floor) with no wheelchair, no cane, and no brace (unless Im going outside). It is a very wonderful feeling and a day I didnt know if I would ever see. As I reflect I just realize recovering from a stroke/traumatic brain injury is a never ending process and life does go on.

Thanks for reading