Another busy week,what else is new? I am supposed to be doing therapy at home like a full time job, I go to outpatient therapy twice a week for PT and OT, Being married with two daughters (11 and 15) and being so busy makes me feel like I am not doing enough, like a full time job. Oh well, like they said washing dishes and stuff like that counts as therapy. I am improving and making small progress, insurance just approved PT up until May 12th. I need to quit beating myself up so much. I think when I blog I talk more to myself than any one, guess that is therapeutic.

Yesterday, I turned 47, guess I can't go in the 46 and younger forums! any more! LOL This birthday I think I thought more about life than ever before. I have always been a type of "goody two shoes" never a rebel or making waves. Been a christian since I was 19 and have always tried to live by the golden rule. This was my first bday post stroke and I realize more than ever how many small things I always took for granted, like fixing my hair in a ponytail with two hands, giving hugs with both arms. I hate having this stroke and what it took from me, but it does make one prioritize things in life.

My parents 50th wedding anniversary was this past Tuesday, they are both 71. That is a long time to be married and live with one person! LOL i can't say all of those years were happy, as a matter of fact, I am sure a lot of them were pretty bad! I hate that we didn't get to have them a big celebration for their accomplishment. But with my stroke and my husband taking care of me, we just aren't able to do much. Mom and Dad's health is not very good either. Dad had a mild stroke 2 years ago and his niece stays with them to take of him (she is his care taker)

Sure is hard to stay positive all of the time! When there is such sickness and bad things always happening!

One thing this week that was positive--when my husband and I left therapy one day, we hadn't been getting along ( we were arguing, we've been married 20 years in May.) He stopped at Panda Express to get some lunch. I don't like the food, so I waited in the van. I was sitting there crying about us, the stroke, etc...All at once some woman comes up to my window and says "I was sitting in there eating lunch and I saw you out here crying, you look so sad, can I give you a hug?" I just stared at her like she was coo coo or something. She said" I am not going to hurt you or anything" I said " I guess " and then opened my door. My cane almost fell out, I grabbed it and said, "I had a stroke 8 months ago". She said, "I am so sorry! I work in the medical field and that makes me a teddy bear." Then she hugged me and said, keep working hard and I hope you get better--No, I know you will get better! I told her "Thank you! " Thank you so much! She really made me feel so much better! And to put things in perspective. Amazing what a hug from a complete stranger can do for you!

Its sad, how we always think strangers are up to no good, and most of us are that way, and rightfully so with society the way it is. But I for sure am glad that people like that woman had the guts and kindness to come out to me and show such compassion, I have thought of that little gesture all week.