Was my stroke a cruel, twisted f#@k up?
...
Or one of divine luck?
Has it not taught me compassion?
Anger? Acceptance, how to ration criticism?
And laugh when I muck up?
Now, I breathe in gratitude,
And my world has opened up
to new experiences, people, and circumstances,
even living in new towns, cities and states.
Mastering REHAB, new knowledge and careers.
Working through old fears, sure, I've got new ones,
But who hasn't?
Connected and trusting this journey.
...
Now, that's the silver lining!
In 2012 I had brain surgery to remove an aneurysm and AVM. A stroke ensued during the procedure. After 10 hours, they put me in a coma to let my brain heal, but I did not wake up until 40 days later. When I did, I could not hear, saw double, and my right peripheral vision was severely damaged. I could not walk, talk or remember anything much like a goldfish. The healing journey continues, poetry has been a means to process this major life event and grow.
It is my “waking anniversary” today - hip hip hooray 🙏