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City Slickers

Michael R

Michael Ron July 03, 2019

19 Comments

Tomorrow will be 3 years since my stroke. I am alive, and I've taken stock... family (my treasure), friends (a few real ones), work (pays the bills), support (BSSG in Kew), enableme (just great), inspiration (fellow stroke survivors and their families). Why City Slickers? In one scene, the main characters ask the old guy what is important in life, he answers - 'only one thing!' They ask, 'what?' and he answers 'that, my friends, you'll need to find out for yourself!'

19 Responses

03/07/2019 04:34

For you Michael

03/07/2019 05:52

And I keep coming back to music (unfortunately I can't play an instrument nor sing). Delta - 'I was born to try'

04/07/2019 00:40

Another goodie Michael!!!

03/07/2019 05:32

Thank you Diana! Greetings to all you guys at enableme!

04/07/2019 05:02

Michael, so happy for you!!! In a sense I share today with you, today is my 2 year anniversary.

My reflection on today - I am extremely grateful for how far I have come in 2 years and like you I could not have done it without my family and friends and my incredible medical team who has been there through every step of the journey and when things seemed insurmountable. The only me is gone but I like the new improved version

04/07/2019 05:03

Old me it should read

04/07/2019 23:38

Thaks for posting Edith, I hope that you had an inspiring day - Diana

05/07/2019 02:16

Thank you Edith. As I read your note, I sit outside, have coffee at Peter Mac and wait for my wife. Funny, I'm not afraid for me anymore (another stroke). I worry about my loved ones, though. All that is important is now crystal clear in front of me and close to me. I'm not afraid to speak up anymore, everything said with respect, but I believe everyone deserves a decent answer. I hope everyone will find their right way! Have a great wend!

05/07/2019 02:47

Thanks Diana I had an inspiring day.

Michael, being outside having a coffee is a new appreciation following a stroke. Two years ago I found myself in a hospital bed unable to do anything for myself with sever double vision,.I a matter of three hours I went from smashing my workout in the gym to not being able to use my right hand side (dominant side) in any form or fashion.

Two years on I am back at work, back in the gym and my vision has recovered fully. The only reminder the sensory loss in my right heel, it feels like a block injection which has not quiet resolved. But I am ok with it - I can feel it and have use, my body's perception is just not quire the same.

You said it so well Michael, what is important in life has become so much clearer. I hope in another year I too will not be afraid anymore - I am much better than on the first anniversary but the thought of having another stroke still scares me.

Have a great day and thank you so much for sharing

05/07/2019 08:29

Hi Michael & Edith, I too find stroke anniveraries are a great time to take stock, reflect on what you have achieved and to appreciate all that is good in life.

Here's to many more anniversaries

Toni

05/07/2019 13:25

Good to see similar stories, it helps! When I'm really down, I take a look at a photo of me in ICU (spent 21 days), and footage of me taking my first steps at 10 West (blind). I'm so greatful to my wife for taking them and keeping them!

06/07/2019 14:35

Just a thought, I wouldn't mind wearing a pin/sign so that other stroke survivors would say hi on the street. Well, I guess there are sav's annual forums!

06/07/2019 14:40

Edith D, I conquer my fear by always having my mobile with me (that's what saved my life back then).

18/07/2019 04:44

Hi Michael,

i too have thought of wearing some sort of identification that I am a stroke survivor and you snow globe description was so apt.

i too have been to Peter Mac but it was for my brother. Keep up your positive attitude.

18/07/2019 07:57

Thank u Ian! Hope to meet u - maybe at the annual SAV forum. M

18/07/2019 08:04

Edith, u mentioned your heel - it reminded me of something my late grandmother used to say. 'When u think everything is right in your life, put a pebble in one of your shoes'. Cheers!

16/07/2019 05:30

Oh - you are all awesome !!

Sue xo

26/07/2019 01:46

Stories that left a mark on me: while volunteering at the E&E clinic, 2 people left a lasting impression on me: a young computer programmer (late 20s) who is diagnosed with glaucoma (certain blindness) and an elderly man (early 90s) - always well dressed and doesn't miss his Tuesday ball room dancing group! The young man - do u think he complained - all he asked was if I knew someone who would employ him?

02/08/2019 05:01

One more thing - I managed to get in touch with one of the Paramedics and thank him. Reason: they knew straight away what I had when they saw me and made the right call to take me to a Public Hospital as Private ones don't always have all the equipment to treat a stroke I had.

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