Reader's Digest

122 | July• 2018

I SURVIVED A STROKE

go home for Christmas?” he asked.

“hen if things work out you’d return

in the New Year as an outpatient for

three months.”

Iwasbothelatedandabitscared

attheprospect.“Who’lltakecareof

me?”Iasked.

“Pat.Yourwife?Youdoremember

her don’t you?” he said and then

smiled.“Wethinkyou’reready.

Pat’skeentogivetheideaago.We’ll

supplyallyourmedicationsand

requisitions for the aids you need

–wheelchairwalkeranythingto

make your home more comfortable.”

OKIthoughtbeing home was a

good choice.Asthedoctorturned

to leave he smiled and said “Merry

Christmas”.

to travel in my brain down my arm to
thetipsofmyingers–Iwashopeful
thatIwouldrecoveruseofmybody.
GraduallyIregainedmovementon
my damaged side. I was able to stand
onmyown.Istartedtoclimbthe
stairsinthegymhangingontothe
railing. I could pedal the stationary
bikefor15minutes.AndIwasnow
able to transfer myself to the toilet
without assistance.
Sure I sometimes became morose
feelingnakedandrawandtearful.
But I had taken a vow: to remain pos-
itive and happy. And recover.
Thenonemorningtheweekbe-
foreChristmasiveweeksaftermy
stroke the rehabilitation doctor
came to see me. “Would you like to

Ron and hiswifePatwhowashisanchorthroughout

his recovery from his stroke

PHOTO COURTESY PEGGY NEW