The Chair Stands Alone

 
Remember the nursery song... The Farmer in the Dell; at the end the cheese stood alone.  Well in my Post Stroke World the Shower Chair Stands Alone.

     There's a lot of paraphernalia that goes along with stroke recovery.  I came home with a walker, shower chair, adapters for silverware, and plans for upgrading to a cane, never mind the multiple medications. We were supposed to install hand rails in the shower but somehow that never happened.  In the last six months just about everything has disappeared from my world.  Except the shower chair... and I don't think it will follow the rest of the trappings into the attic anytime soon.
     The reprieve the chair is receiving isn't due to my recovery or inability to stand in the shower.  It plain and simple has to do with the fact it has become a sort of luxury item.  Seriously!! After working out in the yard on some of the hottest days taking a nice long shower now is more relaxing.  A teenager not to be named has been known to enjoy the chair's benefits after long runs or extreme work-outs.  Who knew this once necessary item was now bringing joy and happiness to others.
    The funny thing is I see them in stores now.  I never really noticed them before.  Because we really had no say in what type we were getting as third parties arranged all that for us I had no clue as to the varieties available.I've also noticed these puppies pop up at garage sales and thrift stores often.  Considering what they go for new paying $15 for a shower chair and a bottle of disinfectant is well worth it.
    So for those of you who like me don't have a garden tub to relax in I definitely suggest purchasing yourself a shower chair... better to buy one because you want it rather than needing it don't you think!
This is the one we have.  You can purchase them without a back but why would you????

Sunday August 28th

I had a hard time calling today Serenity Sunday as usual.  Thursday we headed to the beach to see how Irene was kicking things up.  The waves were rolling in on top of each other.  It was almost as if they were competing to get to shore.  Often the waves weren't even parallel with each other; crashing at angles producing magnificent views. I am just amazed how this incredible force of nature was presenting this beautiful water show less than 48 hours before causing horrific damage further North.  I shot over 150 pics just of the waves.... I've selected my faves for you.

Sometimes God calms the storms and sometimes He just holds us tight.

As if turning 50 isn’t hard enough

   Turning 50 is considered a huge milestone in our society.  It usually means parties with an “Over the Hill” theme including black balloons and gag gifts of canes and such.  So imagine your birthday being announced on NPR in reference to being someone’s Dad ~ OUCH!!

  Six years ago when I started having to drive my kids to school at 6:30 in the morning the only thing I proclaimed allowed on the radio is NPR.  It is way too early for top 40 or any other music choice they may have, never mind they’re usually sleeping.  Every morning at 7am NPR announces someone’s birthday.  Usually they share a bit of the person’s fame before their name.  Today Billy Ray Cyrus turns 50.  You would think that their lead in would have been the crooner of Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus turns 50 today.  NOPE.  Billy Ray’s own accomplishments weren’t even mentioned.   So how was his birthday announced?

Miley’s Dad Billy Ray turns 50 today.

Ouch you can’t tell me that didn’t sting just a little bit. 

   As proud of I am of my kids’ accomplishments if there is one day I don’t want to be known as Em’s, Patrick’s or Meg’s mom it is my birthday; especially on my 50^th birthday.  I don’t know, perhaps things are different in show business.  After all he was responsible for getting her the role of Hannah Montana.  Without question I am sure he is very proud of the success she has achieved.  So maybe this is a proud moment for him.  Me~ I’d be more than a little crabby!

     Or maybe it is just me and my personal self-centeredness.   Let me make this clear.  My birthday is my birthday.  I don’t want any of my kids getting married on it.  I’d prefer not to have any grandbabies born on my day.  When planning our wedding I even made sure we weren’t saying I do anywhere near my day.  With all of this being said you’d think I’d be someone who has big celebrations and such.  Nope.  The day is usually uneventful with a nice dinner and a specialty cake from Publix.  It is just my family of 5 who celebrate, actually 4 now that Em’s at school :0(   Now that I am Royal I guess I could pass a Proclamation and declare it a holiday…. Hmmm I do have a couple of weeks left to do that.

Grey's Anatomy Saved My Life

We sometimes tease my husband that he's such a girl with the shows he likes to watch.  He gets a kick out of Bridezillas watching what people tolerate from the latest Bride gone wild.  He also is quite loyal to Grey's Anatomy~ Thank Heavens!!

     Six months ago Saturday my husband son and I were shopping at BJ's.  I had a headache on the way there that bothered my vision but we had to shop as I was one of five cooking Chili for a Church Dinner the next day.  At one point while shopping my son commented how I was slurring my words.  Next they noticed I was having trouble walking.  All I wanted to do was go home and lie down my head was killing me at this point. 

    The hospital was located just five minutes away and my husband decided something was wrong and took me there.  Thank heavens as I was having a stroke.  Normally my husband would have just taken me home like I asked.  However just a week or so before Gray's Anatomy had an episode on someone having a stroke and he said I reminded him of that patient.

     So here I am six months post stroke this past Saturday.  Physically nearly all of the signs I suffered a stroke are gone.  While I still struggle with fatigue and aphasia when tired or stressed I don't think most people would guess I am a stroke survivor.  Recovery has been a lot of hard work and I am very blessed to have an incredible support system around me.  I was fortunate that my stroke wasn't as severe due to the fact I was at the hospital so quickly after its onset.  There is a drug called t-PA which if received can greatly determine a patient's survival and recovery.  This drug can only be administered up to 3 hours after the onset of the stroke. 

Learn the many warning signs of a stroke. Act FAST and CALL 9-1-1

• Face ~ ask the person to smile.  Does one side droop?
• Arm ~ ask the person to raise their arms.  Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech ~ ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.  Do their words seem confused?
• Time ~ If you observe ANY of these signs call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY

So thank you Dr. Meredith Grey and company for educating my husband!!  Yes we do have the DVR ready for their return in September.

Serenity Sunday August 21, 2011

Where are you going?

Whether it is birds, sockeye salmon or sperm whales I am incredibly amazed at the process of migration.

 For untold generations various species follow the routes of their ancestors. 

While not always safe or easy they follow their destiny regardless.

It helps me worry less about tomorrow.

Matthew 6:34

Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will care for itself

 

One half million sand hill cranes rest during their migration



Sockeye Salmon on their migration

 

Majestic Sperm Whale


All of today's pictures come fromPhotography section of the National Geographic.  I truly encourage you to visit