Saturday, November 20, 2010

" A Double Anniversary "

On November 14th 2008 I woke up as I did every other morning. Early. I am an early riser. That is if you consider 5:30 to 6:00 a.m. early. I have always woke early to have a bit of time and coffee for myself before I cook breakfast for my children. I have done this for the past 32 years.

Something that I am still doing today only now I do allow myself an occasional Pop Tart morning, something that always went against my grain. But there comes a time when the energy just isn't always available.

I had not been feeling well for several weeks before this particular morning. But it wasn't anything that I could pin point. I didn't want to go to the doctor only to say "I don't feel like myself". Thinking back on this now, I should have.


On this morning I woke with my arm feeling tingly. I went to bed the night before with it feeling tingly too but just thought that my carpel tunnel was acting up again. The more I do, the worse it gets.

I was cooking some bacon for my daughter Kate. She was 13 at the time. She was still asleep. I picked up the tongs to turn the bacon over and I aimed towards the pan. But my arm didn't go where I wanted it to go. It started to do a sort of circular motion and I couldn't get it to the pan. I did manage to put down the tongs and pick up my phone with my left hand to call my husband who was in some other state at the time. I knew that I would be waking him and felt horrible about it but I was scared. I don't get scared easily.

When I got him on the phone and told him what was going on he very FIRMLY told me to go to the hospital now! I remember saying to him, "Don't you think I should wait for the doctors office to open and call the doctor?". I hate going to the hospital but my husband insisted that I go. I woke Katie and told her I was going to the hospital. That's all I said. And I got in my car, numb arm and all to drive the five blocks there.


In the mean time my husband had called my son who was already at work just a couple of miles away. I don't think it took him 15 minutes before he was by my side in the emergency room. I was grateful to see him. And he didn't leave my side until my husband made it back home.

Anyone who's been to the hospital for a possible stroke or heart attack knows that they pretty much attack you with questions and tests. It all happens very quickly. It was determined that I was having a stroke and was admitted to the hospital for three days. My husband made it home that evening and my daughter flew in from North Carolina the next morning. At least I think it was North Carolina, she also lived in South Carolina for a time and I really don't remember!

It was all so odd at the time. I felt very strange and very tired. The doctors never really did figure out why I had the stroke. The neurologist said I had thick blood. Whatever that meant. My doctor thought that I was just too stressed out. So after a few days rest and some new medications I was sent home. My speech was slurred for a while.  But I had perfect use of my arms and legs. I lost a bit of my memory, especially of the time of the stroke. I am pretty sure that I have left some things out because of this. I was also feeling quite depressed. That lasted for several months.

I was lucky and blessed, although I would go on to have a second "Mini" stroke three months later. This past Sunday I passed the two year mark since that first stroke. The more time that passes the luckier and more blessed I feel. Which is why I try to enjoy life as much as I can. I love to laugh and will use many excuses to do so.

At 50 years old, this was a very scary time for me. And my family. Most people think that only older folks have strokes. Not true. It is a fact that the age for strokes has changed considerably over the years.
Even babies can have them.


Today, November 20th, marks two years since I started blogging. And it was all because of the stroke. While I was home recuperating from the stroke, my daughter Ginny stayed about a week with me to help out. I was exhausted.

Ginny is one of those "Computer" people. I wish I knew half of what she does. While she was here she said "You know what you should do mom?". "You should start a blog, I think you would like it and it would give you something to do while you sit." 

I answered her by saying, "Whats a Blog?". Yup, I hadn't a clue! She went on to tell me that it was sort of an online journal in which you could write about whatever you wanted to. This was a bit scary for me as the only thing that I had done on the computer up until this was bookkeeping at church. Really, I never went on the computer. I thought it was sort of silly!

So while she was here she set up a blog for me. And here we are two years later. I hadn't a clue what to write about. And even today when I feel unsure, I just write whats on my mind. Interesting or not, it is my life. The one that I am so grateful for.

Through Blogging I have met so many wonderful, warm, caring, funny, supportive, interesting, helpful and loving people. It just brings to my mind the song title "It's a Small World".


I never dreamed that I could care about people that I haven't met in person, face to face. But I was wrong. Not the first time!

So I am choosing today to celebrate. Celebrate life. Celebrate friends and Celebrate family. Oh, and I suppose that I should Celebrate blogging too!

I know that Ginny was so worried about me back than. I think she was scared. And I really think that she wanted me to just sit and relax so that I wouldn't die. I can't tell you how many calls I received from my son and daughter, for several weeks after that. It was really nice!

I am grateful to Ginny for showing me this form of self expression and communication, Thank you Ginger Peach!

I am also grateful to all of you who take the time to come by and visit my humble little blog. I thank God that I have been given the special privilege to get to know YOU! I will Celebrate all of you as well! 

Thank you for stopping by and may God bless you all!

44 comments:

Rebecca said...

Oh! What a story! What a reason to celebrate! 2 years stroke free/2 years blogging ...

Congratulations on the 2 years of blogging (with a prayer of thanks for having "found you" over a year ago).

And THANKS to God for these stroke-free years! And for Ginni who introduced you to blogging and therefore to all of us.

I know your Thanksgiving Holiday will be a wonderful one with all KINDS of reasons to be thankful.

Have a wonderful Saturday, Di! (I'm up early 'cause I went to bed early & am anticipating a good time this morning with a friend as we check out a Christmas House Walk in a neighboring town and a 40th birthday party later this afternoon.)

Diana said...

Hi Rebecca,
I'm up early too, just because I am, LOL! It sounds to me as if you're going to have some fun today! I hope your weather stays dry. It's dry and cold here today.
I am glad that I found you too Rebecca, you have been an inspiration in my life, thank you for that!
Love Di ♥

AC said...

That's scary stuff that makes life all the sweeter. We're all happy that Ginny introduced you to blogging. You write some interesting stuff, like this account.

Diana said...

Thanks AC, just trying to spread the word to take care of oneself!
Love Di ♥

Wanda..... said...

Happy 2 Year Blogging Anniversary! It's always been a joy to read about your life or what's on your mind Di. There have been many posts that made me laugh and a few that made me sad right along with you. Health issues can sometimes bring good changes. Thankful the stroke brought you to this forum. Getting to know you and love you was easy, you're so open and honest, it's a pleasure to call you a friend.

Happy Continued Blogging Diana!
♥...Wanda

Missy said...

My mom died 21 years ago because of a stroke. She was 43 at the time. I'm glad your husband forced you to go to the ER when he did.

And now, the technology is even better, as are the medications.

Lois Evensen said...

Thank you for sharing your story.

Yes, blogging is very liberating, isn't it. It was my daughter who encouraged me to step into blog land, too. I have the same feeling about meeting friends out here and you are one of them. You are such a special, sweet lady.

You are so blessed to have a wonderful family who is so concerned about you. It is surely a reflection of your love for them.

Thank you, again, for sharing your story and Happy Healthy Anniversary!

Hugs,
Lois

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
Right back at you my friend! I don't even remember how long we've been following each other but I am grateful for finding you! Don't forget our Turkey pact!
Love Di ♥


Hi Proudmom and welcome! 43 is a very young age, that must have been so hard on you. I just lost my mom last December at 72 and that seemed to young to me. Thank you so much for visiting! Love Di ♥


Hi Lois,
What would we do without our girls? I know that I never would have bought my own computer! We are blessed to have found this medium as we have learned so much from each other. I live vicariously through your travels! Love Di ♥

Gail said...

HI DI-

Oh my, quite a powerful story. ANd to think, a stroke was the catalyst for your blog and for us to 'meet'. You are truly an inspiration to me Diana - you are so strong and you forge on despite obstacles of many kinds - I so appreciate your life and all that you do to offer your friendship and kindness - I am honored to call you friend.

Love to you always
Gail
peace and
"Happy Thanksgiving"

Diana said...

Hi Gail,
Thank you but I feel honored to call you my friend! You've helped me in so many ways. You inspire me. I am grateful that we all found each other!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Gail. I think I am taking a break until after Ginny goes home a week from this Sunday. So have a wonderful holiday! Love and Hugs to you, Love Di ♥

Lynilu said...

Thanks to Ginny, for finding the blog a potential way of keeping you safe. Thanks to you for continuing to blog, or we wouldn't have "met." I'm sorry you and the family went through that, but I'm glad it led to your blog.

And my I say, a belated Happy Rebirthday!! Many hugs, dear Di!!!

Lynilu said...

PS - Left you a reply to your comment on my blog. Be sure you read it. It is related to this, as well as to my own topic. :)

bjk said...

So glad you are healthy now. You blog usually makes me chuckle, think or cry - sometimes all three at once! Barb

Barb said...

Hi Di, I think I "met" you shortly after I began blogging (it will be 2 years on the 23rd - my Husband's birthday!). I probably visited from Wanda, who was my very first "blog friend." It's amazing, isn't it, how grateful we become to have some time left in this Life when we realize it could be snatched away in an instant. I'm glad you are still you - busy, caring, honest, and funny! Take care of yourself, my friend - I hope to be reading your posts for a long time.

Diana said...

Hi Lyn,
It was a scary time but I have learned a lot more about my health since then. I did go back to your blog and you were right, as usual!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi bjk (Barb)!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I think that most of the time my posts are boring but it's just life!
Love Di ♥


Hi Barb,
Yes you, Wanda, Marcy, Eileen and Bernie were my first followers. Time flies my friend, which is why we need to enjoy every moment. But you already know that! Love Di ♥

Cindy said...

I am glad that you are here in blogland, there is nothing like family when you are sick. so glad you are doing well. and glad that I have met you.

Garnetrose said...

you are lucky. My sil was 45 when she had hers and she got hit bad. Very lucky to be alive. It was about 17 years ago for her and she still cannot walk because her balance was affected but she is doing better then they thought she would. We are all glad you are still with us and celebrating both anniversaries.

Bless you, my blogging friend.

Diana said...

Hi Cinner,
It is amazing how family rallies around but really that's how it should be right? I'm glad that I've gotten to know you too!
Love Di ♥


Hi Garnet,
I realize how lucky I am that is why I am SO GRATEFUL to be here and able to read your blog which I truly enjoy! Love Di ♥

Eileen said...

Happy Anniversary!
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that horrible scare, I'm so sorry that you had to have such serious medical issues, but I am so happy that this 'not so good' led you into my life (I know, it's all about 'me', isn't it?!).
Seriously, I am so glad that some good came out of bad for you. And I am so grateful to God too for all the wonderful people I have met through blogging.
It's funny how God throws us together, one way or another, He knows which souls are supposed to be traveling this journey together.

I just wrote a comment back on my blog how I think about you all, and how I will bring your names up in conversation with my family and my 'face-to-face' friends, it's just a natural part of my life to include my blogger friends in my life.

This Thanksgiving I will be including you in my grateful Blessings!
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Bill ~ {The Old Fart} said...

I am glad Ginny got you into blogging too. Because of it I've got a new friend. Glad you are past the two year anniversary. Yes it is scary, but good you got it tended to in time.

Blessings my friend, you take care Di

Ginny said...

Mom,
Your blog is so awesome and I am so proud of you for starting it and sticking with it. When I tell people that my mom blogs, they always think it's the coolest thing. I do too. I love you (and your blog) very much!

Diana said...

Hi Bill,
I only wish we lived closer, I know we'd become fast friends! Thanks for visiting! Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Ginny,
Thank you honey and I can't wait to see you,one more day!!
I am very grateful to you for showing me this new and fun hobby.
Now, when you come home there are a few more things I need you to show me on this thing! But I'll bet you already expected that!
I love you, MOM XXXOOO

Bonny said...

So glad that you recoverede great from the stroke. I love reading your blog, although I have had to take mine down for the moment. I miss it.

Diana said...

Hi Bonny,
I was wondering what happened to you. If you ever feel the need to talk to someone you can email me anytime. My address is on my facebook badge. I know that you have been going through some tough times. I will be praying for you and your boys. I miss your blog. Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Eileen,
I am the same way when talking about my blog friends. It's really no different than any other friends! And I too am so grateful that we've been brought together, we've had lots of fun and funny conversations as well as the serious one. I am grateful that God made our paths cross. I feel blessed to know you! Love Di ♥

Maria said...

Hi Diana!
Oh HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I've been in a fog for a week and am glad "I'm getting out a bit now"

I am so glad you are well and that two years have gone by ~ two very productive and wonderful years of gardening, loving your family and meeting all of us out here!!! I am also so glad to have met you and all the wonderful people through blogging. I hope someday there's a big "blogging block party."
God bless you, Diana, as you open up the door to another fabulous year!
*love,
Maria

Tranquility Speaks said...

Hi Diana!

I sincerely wish and pray that, that was the last of your strokes and you shall NEVER get one again. You are right. The age for a lot of diseases has drastically come down and stress levels have skyrocketed. I feel extremely stressed out too. And I'm clueless as to how to deal with it all. I'm sorry I've been away for so long. Just haven't felt like doing anything!

How is your knee now? Take good care of yourself Diana and know at all times that you did the best you could. Nothing better. Do what pleases you. Loads of love to you :)

Diana said...

Hi Maria,
I hope by "Fog" you don't mean that you've been ill. If not I so understand being in one, I think I am in one daily, LOL!!!
Yes I too have dreamed of a blog meeting. How fun that would be, just walking around and than you would see that face, the one you've grown to love and there would be hugs and laughing! Yes that would be amazing!
Nice daydream. Love Di ♥


Hi Tranquility,
I think of you often. You must be terribly busy and I worry about you. The stress only leads to BAD things, I know. Why don't you email me and get some things off of your mind. I don't mind listening. I miss reading whats going on in your life. Please take care of yourself for all of those who love you. Work should only be one part of your life. Email me or I'll email you later today. O.K.
Love Di ♥

Amity said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diana said...

Hi Amity,
I love reading your blog, you are so poetic! I tried finding you on facebook but it came up "No results" So just friend request me and I will accept, o.k.? Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Amity, Facebook isn't working for me right now, I will try again later!
Love Di ♥

jules said...

That had to be so scary!

Two years is definitely a reason to celebrate. And I'm so glad your daughter taught you what a blog is. I truly feel like we are friends even though we have never met. Maybe someday we will.

Diana said...

Hi Jules,
We have two big things in common, our husbands! And only we know what it's like to be a truckers wife. So there are certain things that only you and I get! Love Di ♥

Arlee Bird said...

You are very fortunate to have recognized that something was happening and to have gone for medical treatment so quickly--I sure that made a big difference in your recovery. Sounds like you have a great support system in your family. It was a bad situation that turned out okay in the end and we got your great blog out of it as well.
Glad you're still blogging away.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Diana said...

Thanks Arlee, You are a sweet gentleman! Love Di ♥

Margaret Pangert said...

Hi Diana~ Your sense of gratitude really comes through. What could be more fitting than the week of Thanksgiving to see your travails as gifts! You are a very special person, and I wish you every good thing. ♥

Gutsy Living said...

Diana, not only are you a blogger, but you're a fabulous writer. I could see you standing in the kitchen, I could smell the bacon, I could hear your husband's voice on the phone. I could feel the sense of urgency as you drove to the hospital and the staff did not waste time in getting you checked out. This perhaps, had more of an impact on me than a health warning you hear on TV about strokes, etc. Thank you Diana, for sharing and I am so happy you have continued to stay in touch with me.

Diana said...

Hi Margret,
Thank you for your kind words. Where have you been, I've been wondering about you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Love Di ♥


Hi Sonia,
It was very shocking to me when it happened. It's one of those things that you think couldn't happen to you. I learned my lesson! Life is precious! Thank you for stopping by!
Love Di ♥

Snowbrush said...

I can understand why you might have driven yourself, but it very much scares me that you did because you might have seriously injured yourself or someone else.

Yes, I would call 5:30 early, and although I'm up at that hour now--the pain wakes me up frequently--I have every intention of going back to bed and staying there until 11:00.

I'm glad you became a blogger following your stroke.

P.S. If you had waited to see your doctor, he would have sent you straight to the hospital anyway.

quieten said...

Congratulations on your 2 year blog anniversary! I must say blogging seems like 2nd nature to you. To think you had "no clue" only 2 years ago is amazing.
Thank you so much for sharing your family, your flowers and your life. You are such a strong and compassionate woman and I have drawn much strength from you.
Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with all of the love, laughter and happiness the world has to offer!
Happy Anniversary, Happy Thanksgiving and wishing you many, many more of both!

Bernie said...

Diana, I read this post a few days ago and it really touched my heart. I well I broke down and cried.It has been a rough two years for you and you are one of the best people I know and love. I am so glad Ginny encouraged you to blog, when I think of how far you come, all you have been through and how loyal and strong you are, well you are something else. I am sorry I have taken my time commenting but I tried before and I was just too soppy, just know that I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life. I wish you and your wonderful family a very Happy Thanksgiving, always in my heart and prayers dear friend. Hugs

Brenda said...

Hi Diana,

I am catching up on my blog reading so I am late in congratulating you on your two anniversaries. It is wonderful to look back and see how something so devastating led to something so good. I am glad for your wonderful daughter, Ginny as well. I appreciate your honesty. Blessings,