GLASS HALF FULL?
I was very fortunate to be raised as 1 of 10 children a large family by today’s standards, by 2 of the hardest working and loving parents anyone could hope for. We learned self motivation at an early age, you learned young that anyone could achieve the easy things, special things took special efforts.
Perhaps that’s why when faced with the aftermath of Stoke I was able to focus and work towards my rehab goals, It was easy to lie in bed, watch Tv. and quit, giving up isn’t in my DNA, I felt like it was a way to honor my Mom and Dad.
The challenges of life never end and sometime the Devil you know is better then the Devil you don’t know, I had 6 brothers and 4 sisters and my Father provided and mother nourished, with a house in the suburbs, if it was a desperate struggle I didn’t know it.
We all survived well into adult hood, losing 1 brother to cancer, as a family spread out among the entire USA, for the most part we stay connected.
Recently I traveled to my home state and attended a family gathering and all but 1 brother were present and I stayed at 3 siblings homes, I was quite surprised to hear my youngest brother who has a beautiful wife and wonderful kids, a house, and a full time job and a part time job, say he should be doing better.
I see Stoke survivors who struggle with every facet of their lives, from the moment they get out of bed till they return, their personal, financial and family lives shattered seemingly beyond repair, I know first person that reality. My brothers comments surprised me, my guess is anyone who has had a serious Stroke would gladly trade places.
If the grass is greener somewhere show me the map with 7,000,000 Stroke survivors in the USA ready to head there. We all make are own way on this earth, some get an easier path, some get a hard road, I am satisfied my road was neither easy or impossible.
Refuse to be Helpless
Aug 132013