Our Story Begins

Our story begins.

My husband’s final journey began in the fall of 2002. He was 63 years old when struck with an alarming TIA. The doctors didn’t think it serious until, an exam proved his carotid arteries were 95% clogged.

Blood tests showed his cholesterol to be fairly normal, but his triglycerides were off the charts. His family has a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and he was a “closet” smoker.

The operation to clear his arteries was successful, except, the force of fresh blood in the newly opened right artery, caused a hemorrhagic stroke. A large blood clot formed. When the clot was removed, so was the right front lobe of his brain. It was devastating. He had to learn to sit, stand, walk, eat and speak all over again.

Thus began my life as a caregiver, and the fight of his life. It would last for fourteen years.

When catastrophic illness strikes, such as his stroke, success at overcoming it happens only when one has a strong support system. Friends and family and community and church all play a part. Did I mention he had a stubborn streak? A better word would be “determined”.

In future blogs, we will explore together, just what it means to depend on others, to keep a sense of humor, to laugh at things the outside world can’t imagine funny, and to put things in perspective. What’s really important? Who really cares about you? Where can you get help?

I am reminded of something country singer, Reba McEntire said. “To succeed in life, you need three things; a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.”

Yes we do. Betty