Tuesday Evening...Thoughts and Musings

(The photo for this post was provided by Marsha Shirk. It was taken on her birthday on our trip to the Royal James...you know, the night I gained a pool coach. Check back in the archives for the funny story. Long live TIE DYE Frieda!)
As I said in yesterday's post, Wayne visited Frieda while in Greenville yesterday morning. He was able to get some massaging in while he was there and also see Mrs. Nancy, who always takes "the morning visits."
Frieda responded to the things that Wayne asked her and when her doctors came in, she did the same for them. The doctors asked her to blink specific numbers of times, etc. and she did as she was asked. Also, Wayne asked questions and asked her to move her leg to respond and she did.
I have done a lot of reading of late on strokes and recurrent strokes. It is not uncommon to have another stroke or TIA's (mini strokes) just before and just after a major stroke. Many are debilitating and sometimes the prognosis from these are grim. HOWEVER, in doing this research, I have also learned that STIMULATION is the key. Mobility, talking, reminding, questions, asking for specific answers make a huge difference in the recovery of stroke patients. It is so important to speak to a person who has had a stroke as you would normally, if they are unable to move, move their arms, legs, fingers, etc. for them. It helps to "wake up" the areas that are compromised. There are many areas that simply are never recovered. There are equally as many areas that might have initially thought to have been lost, but eventually awaken. I have read so many stories of people who regain the use of a limb, voice, thought processes, etc. Those stories keep us inspired and they keep us motivated to keep Frieda going forward.
I had the pleasure of meeting some of "my email/blog post" pals today. It was such a pleasure to put faces to the names and to be able to personally say, "THANK YOU." I hope that all of you know that though I don't "see" each and every one of you, or truly even know most of you, I am so humbled and thankful for you. I know each of you care enough to remain a part of this process.
I also know it's going to be a long one, so here's hoping we can keep the energy going and keep the spirit strong to help Frieda continue to get better.
I was glad to meet you Sharon and Carl. (Hope that sheepshead was tasty!) Also, I'd like to send a special hello to Connie Harris (of the "put the dressing on the fork, then stab the salad" fame a few posts back when I was telling about emails I have received and Frieda stories.) I'm thinking of you, your family and your friends Connie.
I was discussing with Sharon in her lovely front yard today the irony of how something bad happens and then as if on cue, many good things start to happen all around. I have watched examples of this over and over again since July 27. It's hard to believe that in two days Frieda will have been hospitalized for two months. I cannot believe it. While I am so happy to have gotten to know so many nice folks, I must admit that I would rather it have been under different circumstances. Of course, you all feel the same way, I'm sure.
Thank you, as always for the emails, calls and contacts. They are so very appreciated.
By the way, I got the music player kinks worked out. It's not "my music." Now, that would just be tacky wouldn't it? (grin!)
But, I created a playlist of songs that are relaxing, comforting and encouraging. Many of the artists are "independents," which I totally support and am proudly one of. I also placed some classical favorites of mine as well. Just had to! I do love classical music, in addition to all the other music I listen to. In times when no words are needed or necessary, there's nothing much better than Vivaldi. So, while you're here, work a sudoku puzzle (very easy level, of course!) and listen to a tune or two, on me. If you don't want music, just pull the volume down. You can control that, by the way.
How is it that my best friend's two strokes have "nearly" restored my faith in humanity? I hope for the day that those two strokes can totally restore my faith in humanity.
OH! One more thing...keep our friend Roberta Caton in your intense prayers. Roberta had two strokes and was recovering when Frieda had the first stroke. She has continued to battle TIA's and strokes. She will be going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in November. Add Roberta to your prayers. She is precious to both Frieda and me. Before the second stroke, I did
get the opportunity to tell Frieda that Roberta was fighting her own battles, as I knew that Frieda would want to know and most of all, that Roberta would have been right there cheering Frieda on. KEEP GETTING BETTER ROBERTA!!! WE NEED YOUR WONDERFUL SMILE ALL AROUND US! Don't let that determination of yours lessen even one bit.
That's it for tonight folks. Going to spend a little "Annie time" before bed.
Count your blessings...count them all. You never know when life as you know it will become "life that is totally unfamiliar."

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