This past year has been the hardest year I think I have ever lived through. I don't think it was this hard when I got my divorce from my first husband. I have lived through so many disappointments and feelings this year I don't even think I can remember it all. I think my mind has blocked it out.

But after today I don't even care if I remember any of the bad. Today I had such overwhelming emotions I cried!!!!!!!!

The physical therapist came for his appointment to work with Chris. I had just expected him to work on Chris' legs. So he started out with his legs and then said to Chris - "OK, lets see how you can sit on the side of the bed?" I thought he was crazy - Chris tried it last week and it was very difficult - he had to have 2 people help hold him up. So I stood back and watched the therapist do his thing and there he was - sitting on the side of the bed - feet touching the floor and supporting himself with his right arm and hand. The first emotion I felt was one of unbelievable joy!!!! The tears rolled down my face.

I think the lesson I learned today is that the word "Never" does not exist in the language of a stroke survivor or caregiver. I was told "Never" by many professioanls regarding Chris' recovery and I would like to go back to them and tell them to eat their words.

I would love to call the administrator of the nursing home and tell him how WRONG his professional staff was in regards to my husbands recovery. I think my husband has passed that so called "plateau" of recovery. I would love to make them CHOKE on what they said.