briank

hi Sue: YES! i absolutely agree the readers own experience, is the foundation of the reader's perspective. i also applaud and admire you, as i have mentioned to you many times, for your perspective, loyalty, and commitment in the areas of your life...especially as caregiver. as usual, your entry is very well stated. :You-Rock: Friendship, Brian (and yes, you can have chicken fresh off the barbie!

Hi folks. something has changed. some fog has lifted. i feel better. thoughts seem more clear. i don't feel as afraid. i can smile and laugh some again. and it has come with a decision of sorts. my 3 small strokes occurred on November 4, 2008. i know that can not be changed, and i can never again be a “non-stroke-survivor.” what i have decided, however, is that i no longer want to consider myself a “STROKE-SURVIVOR.” post-stroke, that is what i naturally considered myself to be. and i got stuck there. and i stayed there. and i wallowed there. and i obsessed there. and “STROKE-SURVIVOR” became my identity. BRIAN took on less meaning, and STROKE-SURVIVOR took on more meaning. and i got lost in that place. no more..............that is what i have decided. no more. i will use the term, “stroke survivor”.....but i will no longer let it be my only sense of identity. i will not allow it to be all that i am. i am a stroke survivor it is true. doesn't stop there though. my perspective is back to what it should be. I AM BRIAN. AND I HAPPENED TO HAVE SURVIVED STROKE. BUT BRIAN IS WHO I AM. simple decision.....huge difference for me. (took me almost two years to see this in proper persepective.) and i am glad you all are here. :bbq: BURGERS ARE DONE!.......WHO WANTS ONE???!!! :big_grin:

Hi Asha: Thank you so much for your work as blog (blawg) moderator and all of your efforts to help others get started on blogging. As well, thank you for all the ways you have helped, and i am sure will continue to help, other survivors and garegivers on this site. your positive attitude is always helpful. Friendship, Brian :Popcorn: :Popcorn: :Popcorn: :Popcorn: want some popcorn?

Hey Fred: gotta tell ya friend.... this entry meant a lot to me. i could tell you were totally speaking from the heart.... without being critical, or speaking beyond your own experience. i could also tell, underneath that outer layer of yours is a kind-hearted gentleman. many thanks. Friendship, Brian :bbq: gotta burger fresh off the grill if ya want!

Hi Sue: always enjoy reading your blog entries. "going with the flow" one of my greatest challenges. for me is easy to understand....hard to put into practice. when Asha starts teaching a course in it, think i better register right away! :bouncing_off_wall: Through understanding your experience a little bit by what you share here on this site, it helps to "tweak" my perspective some days......much necessary "tweaking" i might add.:roflmao: hope you beat that virus and feel better soon. Friendship, Brian

Hey Bruce, thanks for the update. i am sure the options presented to you must be weighing on your mind. have faith.....i believe you will make the best decision for yourself. Friendship, Brian :hiya:

Hey Fred: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! interesting facts you listed there. you have seen much in your life and it is good you are here with us to share some of those things. hope your B-day is great!!! Hey....you gonna be able to get all of those candles on one cake???? just kiddin friend. take care. Friendship, Brian :happybday: :bouncing_off_wall: