It's amazing how my life as a stroke survivor is a mirror image of so many others in the world. A stroke is not something one person endures alone. There are a million others going thru the same ordeal of life after stroke.

I am uplifted in spirits when I see so many find our site and become registered members. It's good when so many can come together and share in a life changing event. Especially with so many not having local support groups to join or turn to for help or answer a few questions of hope and comfort.

As I see everyday on here, caregiver support and care provider activities are a must for happiness and a better life of the survivor. Today, I shed tears of joy in looking back over my two years since I came home from the hospital unable to walk or care for myself. My, my, my, what a long journey and a blessing for me to still be here and able to care and do most things for myself.

I just finished reading the current May/June issue of the stroke connection magazine. There are articles worthy of reading and a free book offer on page 40.

We already know strokes happen at any age, but I never considered how many blacks are affected because of high blood pressure, stress, diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity. Unhealthy eating habits (soul foods) from an early age is a problem as well.

Being black, I'm very thankful I'm alive today. Having lived in the stroke belt states most of my life and knowing nothing about strokes, I feel blessed again. You can bet my life long eating habits has changed to more healthy food choices. The article"Looking at Why" on page 26 of the stroke connection magazine is an eye opener. Now that I recall the Katrina scenes of people in wheel chairs and unable to walk or provide for themselves makes me realize this stroke thing is a problem for African Americans.

I'm so thankful to Steve, our CEO, for creating such a giant in stroke support for people all over the world. I call myself a greeter standing at the door of newbie introduction to welcome them to our group. Then listening to them explain their situations thinking they are all alone in their experiences. They feel so much better when they see others in the same boat with various limited abilities as a survivor.

Well, I feel better now and my tears of joy are still raining down. I'm happy to read the american stroke association launched a power to end stroke campaign. Something I blogged about a few months ago. The more people involved the further we can go in solving issues about strokes. :scooter: