Bob has decided that it is time for us to get some regular exercise (apparently I have plumped up too much for his taste). We used to belong to a running group that met every Tues & Thurs and we averaged about 10 miles a week. Since I am unable to run fully just yet, we have signed up with a new group for beginners, incorporating walking into running/jogging. Last night was the first night.

Bob couldn't make it because he was "working" (pshaw ) so I was going solo which always makes me a little nervous - would I find it? am I going to be the only 'problematic' one? will people stare? etc. - well, I found it and addressed the whole stroke thing upfront so that questions aren't (hopefully) necessary. After a few introductions, we were sent on our way around Lake Eola (.8-.9 of a mile).

I walked for quite a ways and decided to try a jog. That is when I saw him. I knew him!! I had never seen him before but I knew him! I saw him ahead of me, walking my way and was just drawn to him. To make sure there were no assumptions, I went up to him and said "May I ask, did you have a stroke?" He nodded. I was right! He was one of my kind. "Me too" I related. I told him that it was my left side and I asked him when his stroke occurred. He hesitated and I realized that this was my first encounter with someone from Planet Aphasia. I was patient and let him speak. "3 years" he said. He indicated that he wanted to say something else and then said "Yours" Although I don't have a decoder ring, it wasn't necessary for our little conversation. "9 months ago" I told him. And then I felt guilty. He was using a cane and dragging his foot along while I was trying to learn to run. I know all strokes are different, I just couldn't help but feel guilty for being more mobile. He then said "3 times" and motioned a circle with his unaffected hand. I got it - 3 times around Lake Eola - I was very impressed as I wasn't sure I was going to make it once. I let him know that I was impressed. I touched his arm, let him know that he was doing great and hobbled along with blurry vision.

I was tearing up because I got off relatively easy and I struggle so much that I can't imagine how he must feel. Tearing because I now have a superpower that I never would have had BS (before stroke) - a stroke-dar (stroke radar). Tearing up for all of us stroke survivors. I was glad that I was last, no one was around me to witness this and ask or talk to me about it. It took halfway around Lake Eola before I composed myself. I did make it around once and that was all I could do. My affected ankle was angry for this unexpected adventure and it needed a rest. It was a good time to go home and reflect on it all.