Road to Recovery

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Message to Dad: 1 year milestone in recovery!

Dad, 10/24/2009 is the anniversary of your devastating stroke and a milestone none of us would wish upon our worst enemy! But, you made it to this milestone and you have many more to look forward to. I was so thrilled to hear that you participated in the local breast cancer 5K last Sunday. The Colorado prayer warriors had been praying for beautiful weather and perfect conditions so that you could do this! Thank you, Lord for those answered prayers! I thought it was kinda funny when you told me on the phone on Monday "that of course you didn't walk it" -- but, being pushed in the wheelchair for 5K is a HUGE achievement, too! Most of all, I'm so proud of you, Dad for having the DESIRE to participate. And, look at all the little blessings you got to see along the way, on the Louisville riverfront and across the bridge to Indiana and back! Not to mention the wonderful walk time you got with Michelle, Justin, Ruthy and Abby -- Wow! I'm so proud of you, Dad. And, I'm so thankful to them for taking you.

I thought it would be nice to put up a message at your 1 year milestone for the stroke recovery. While it's not something we necessarily think of CELEBRATING, it is to be CELEBRATED!!!! It is abundantly clear to me that God still has plans for you (as He does for all of us). He has given us the precious gift of YOU over the past year. And, God still has mighty work to do with YOU and all of us for the future. People are watching our family, Dad. They see how we interact with each other, with you and with other people. Dad, you and Mom have served an incredible purpose in building this family. Here we are today, celebrating a new birth with your grandson, Mark and Amanda's new bundle of joy born today "Marcus Jeremiah". Your legacy continues to grow.

Dad, it has now been three months since I saw you last, and I can actually "hear" the improvement when I've talked with you on the last several phone calls. You sound more and more like you have always sounded to me in our treasured long-distance calls. I love to hear your voice, Dad. I also hear of your improvements in the left side-affected stroke arm and leg. I hear you can not only "lift" your left leg, but now you can KICK it. That is fantastic. Also, you are "touching" with the left arm. Dad, keep doing these things -- everyday, as much as possible. Dad, my 1 year message to you is CELEBRATE what you have already achieved, and NEVER, NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR OWN RECOVERY!!!!! God has great plans for you and miraculous healing is still prayers and breathes away. NEVER, NEVER EVER GIVE UP, DAD .... Love, your oldest loving daughter, Kathy

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Grandpa at a Breast Cancer Walk (Huh?!!)

Grandpa seemed to really enjoy himself on Sunday for the Making Strides against breast cancer walk. Justin was excellent in getting Grandpa in and out of the car and wheeling him around the 3 mile walk. Grandpa called it a “Sunday Stroll”. We had beautiful weather and the walk went across second street bridge (or Clark Memorial, whichever name is preferred) so Grandpa was able to see up close the construction on the new UofL arena as well as a great view of the Ohio River. After a short break of apples and water to replenish Abby wheeled Grandpa for our additional hike to the car over at Slugger Field, where Grandpa had more apples on the ride home, man he loves those things. IT WAS A GREAT DAY!

Michelle L Karrer

Monday, October 5, 2009

SEMINAR: After the Stroke (Mark McEwen)

Sunday, 9/27 (Mom's Birthday) I saw a small advertisement in The Denver Post with the large, bold print: STROKE SURVIVORS -- Meet Mark McEwen, former CBS "The Early Show" anchor, and author of AFTER THE STROKE: My Journey Back to Life. He was speaking in 2 days (9/30) at a church in Denver. I felt the Holy Spirit tug at me "you need to go to this one". So, I cut out the small ad, and placed this on my calendar. Wednesday morning I drove to Denver to attend this event. It was hosted by: Colorado Neurological Institute and held at a community church. There were many booths (health fair style) at the event. I visited with most booths, having divine discussions with many kind, loving people who even said they will be praying for our Dad and my neighbor Jim's recoveries. Then, I found my way to a table, where I sat down next to a nice man named "Homer". After brief introductions, Homer shared that he himself was a stroke survivor. I have to tell you, he didn't look like he had suffered a stroke at all. The only sign that I saw of this was when he spoke with emotion, I saw that same look we see on Dad's face where he is "overcome with emotion, almost to the point of tears". Homer had that! When I see that, it brings incredible compassion and emphathy toward the person displaying that raw emotion. In addition to Mark's fantastic speak, I was surprised to be able to hear Haven Moses, former Broncos/Super Bowl star. I had read an article on Haven's stroke recovery in the newspaper about 6 weeks ago. I highlighted many points and mailed it to Mom & Dad's house. Mom had seen the article, and when I reminded her about it after seeing Haven, she said she didn't remember. I reminded her that we had spoken about it, after I sent it, and she read it. I had asked her to please take it to Dad and read the article to him to encourage him. I encouraged her (again) to please find the article, and to please share it with Dad! Haven is a 6 year stroke survivor, and an avid golfer. He looked fantastic, too. He is a man of faith and his strong words included. "Things DO happen for a purpose...there is a reason....he has learned FAMILY - FAITH - FACING ADVERSITY are the main things that have brought him through his stroke recovery."

Next, Mark McEwen was absolutely wonderful to hear speak....when he opens his mouth, I see the CBS anchor again! When he stands at the podium and tells you he suffered a MASSIVE and DEVASTATKING STROKE, it is really hard to believe. His right hand is still mildly-effected, but otherwise, he stands strong and speaks eloquently! His smile is absolutely restored! He says when he gets tired, the stroke-effects are more obvious; but, I can't tell you how impressive he is to see. Mark's moving, encouraging words for stroke survivors, care-givers and the support family are "NEVER, NEVER, EVER GIVE UP". Mark went through ONE YEAR of THERAPY, at the University of Alabama (in 2006). There were a couple of updated statistics about stroke that I wanted to share with everyone reading this:
1. STROKE is the 3rd leading cause of DEATH and DISABILITY in the USA.
2. ANNUALLY, over 750,000 strokes strike people in our country.
3. STROKE is the leading cause of adult disability.
4. RISK FACTORS for STROKE include:
A. High Blood Pressure B. Heart Disease C. Diabetes D. High Cholesterol E. Smoking F. Alcohol use G. TIA (or prior stroke)
5. STROKES CAN BE PREVENTED: Modify/Manage your risks in #4 (A-G). And, focus on:
A. DIET (eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats such as chicken/fish, low-fat, low-sodium items, limited egg yolks, FIBER-rich foods (30 mg per day).
B. EXERCISE -- minimum of walking!
C. SMOKING -- SMOKING DOUBLES YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING A STROKE! Quitting smoking will significantly lower your stroke risk. (since it also causes cancer; 2 reasons to STOP)

So much good information at this seminar, I wished everyone reading this could have seen and heard it first-hand. I did ask Mark (when he was autographing his new book for Dad and Jim) if he was planning to do something like this in Louisville, Ky. He said "he'd sure like to". I would like to request that someone take the lead on contacting a "leading Kentucky neurological group" to see if they could arrange something along these lines for your area. I'm sending information your way to follow up! Love, Kathy
PS - www.markmcewen.com -- check it out!