Entry posted by Strokewife
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For some time I have been mulling over the idea of starting a blog…Way back when, I thought about a blog for Massage Therapy to incorporate the insights of alternative therapy. I even went as far as setting it up…I think there are one or two stories on that blog. Time slid by and I never blogged more than those few notes. Certainly, I don’t discredit it because it is still a good idea but in the past summer I was thrust into an experience that I never planned on…That’s when I became a stroke victims wife. With all that is involved around someone who has had a stroke it became a daunting task to get through each day. Somewhere, I said I could be of help. Then time went on and I had not drafted one word…Today, eight months later, I have decided that the excuses stop here. I have become aware of so many things and I must write about them. So my dear fans as I embark upon this journey that some of you may follow and others will find too insignificant I heed your support for there is much to learn in this world of circumstances. With that being said…Let’s begin:
Blog 1: Vision
In June last year my husband had a stroke. Upon that day, I became the wife of a stroke victim. This title didn’t really define itself clearly and I didn’t really want it. Basically, my life was turned upside down. It was everything I could do to just get through each day as my husband lay in a hospital bed fighting for his life. A fight it was…I barely left his side and when I did it always seemed like the worst would happen. Guilt became a regular visitor while I lived in a recliner chair conveniently located by my husband’s bedside. Oh, certainly, there were times that I had family and friends to assist me with the ongoing task of support. But, at the end of each day when I was so tired I could not function I would lay back in that recliner and hope for something better to present itself in the new day. Each day, that “something better” would actually show itself. Yet, each day would have landslides that kept tears falling down my face and I can only describe as horrible. It was a time that I would never want anyone else to experience, nor would I want to revisit. I prayed for understanding.
After a months stay in the hospital my husband was moved to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Each day they scooped him out of bed and took him through a schedule of therapy. While this was effective…it was robotic. I found myself with moments to breath…rest…and take care of the “Over the top” paperwork. My husband would do the exercises they told him to do; yet, he couldn’t do the exercises they told him to do. As his wife, his caregiver, and his love I ached to see him respond. Again, much pain filled my being. It was during this time that I realized the simplicity of being able to take a sip of water, to turn to your love and smile, or to walk to the bathroom when you feel the urge. I realized how much I took for granted. I realized how quickly we can have something removed from us. Awareness of what is most important was knocking at my door. Somehow, in all this turmoil I received vision or clarity. And as my eyes have been opened, my dear readers, I was made aware that this vision needed to be shared. So, today I begin blogging as a stroke wife’s life…and I simply ask you to please join me.
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