The DMV is allowing me to obtain a learner's permit! I just got the letter in the mail. The medical review board put cerain restrictions on my permit such as using the knob on the steering wheel and I can only drive with my dad. My dad really helped at the hearing. Fortunately, he has 2 SUVS that he drives and the board agrees that is the best vehicle for me to drive because another restriction they placed on my permit was that I have to drive with bigger mirrors and the mirrors on his suvs are huge. I am so glad my dad was there at the hearing because he helped the board to see that I am an intelligent young lady who uses good judgement and my dad wont hesitate to stop me from driving if he sees that its not working because my safety and everyone else's safety comes first. I also asked about driving rehabilitation programs and if a driving class would be beneficial for me but to my surprise the head doctor actually told me my dad could do a better job at teaching me how to drive than the class. I was surprised but I am glad I asked because if not, I would have wasted a lot of money on the class!

Also, when I was in Raleigh, I seen a stroke survivor in person for the first time in a long time. The last time I seen survivors was at a troke support group meeting but since everyone was sitting down I could not really tell what type of effects the stroke had on them and none of them even looked like they had a stroke. But the lady I seen crossing the road reminded me of how I was when I first had my stroke. I am guessing it was a home health care nurse but she was holding her arm as she took baby steps and I noticed her hand was just like mine. I wanted to stop and talk to her so bad but I was already late to the hearing. Seeing her did make me realize just how far I've come from. I have a slight limp but I can walk very fast and there was a time when I had to hold on to a cane and take baby steps just like her. Sometimes I forget that since it was so long ago and take my ability to walk for granted so after seeing that lady, it really made me realize just how far I have come. My new AFO should be ready next week and it is supposed to keep my knee from popping back so I hope I will be walking better than ever pretty soon. The next doctor appointment I have is the EEG next Thursday so I will update on how that goes.

Thanks everyone for your prayers and encouragement, I will be sure to let you know when I go get my permit and start practice driving with my dad!