I recently received an email from a relative to whom I haven't spoken in quite awhile and she asked how I have turned the stroke experience into a positive. I am extremely flattered that she thought I could. I found the question stimulating and turned it over in my cranium for awhile.

Disadvantages :yucky: :

- A stroke is stinkin expensive (hospital, rehab, meds, etc.)!

- Being paralyzed is worse than it looks.

- The blow to self-esteem is severe and the fight to get it back is brutal.

Benefits (for lack of a better term) :hahaha: :

- Didn't know it was possible, but it brought Bob & I closer together.

- It turned me toward acupuncture and I love it.

- It gave me a new appreciation for automatic transmission vehicles, although I still like my current ability to drive my manual 5-speed.

- For all of my life, I have never wanted to have children (husband & I concurred), the stroke had made me reconsider this decision. Trying to convince husband toward the possibility had been rough going!

Miscellaneous column :

- For better or worse, I am a more laid back driver; calmer.

- I give people more 'slack' than I used to. Is that good or bad? I guess it depends on what side you are on!