Lynn:

having uncertainity in lifedoes that. I was hugely depressed after my stroke, loosing control of my life was huge adjustment, but what helped me adjust to my new reality is my complete surrender on higher power. he will take care of me, if God has brought this to me, he will make sure I get through it also, maybe its called hope.

Asha

Lynn,

The counting your blessing thing is similar to the gratitude journal that Oprah made popular. I started a gratitude journal thread once in the Inspirational Thoughts forum for everyone to add to. It got dozen or so posts but died out after that which tells me that it's REALLY difficult for people going through the kinds of things we are on this site to see the blessings in our lives. You are not alone in that. The whole purpose of doing a gratitude journal or a count your blessing exercise it to force you to focus on those things, especially at time when you feel over-whelmed with the negative things in life. Writing something down in black and white helps the process of getting out of the depression. You named this blog 'a work in progress' and truly we are all works in progress on this road we're on. Even those of us who really try to live the 'glass is half full' kind of life need to work at it from time to time....like everything else worth having.

Jean

Hey I was really touched by your blog; especially when you siad "I need to take the time to feel the sunshine on my face". I don't think a survivor can ever explain what a caregiver truly means to her or him. There just really are not words. I know my wife has taken on so much since my stroke. One thing that gives me much satisfaction though is for her to "feel the sunshine on her face". I love to see her enjoying things and doing "normal" things that she did before my stroke. Keep looking for those things that make you happy, strong, vibrant and brave and it will spill over to your husband and your entire life. Keep up the good work and bless all you caregivers.

AJ