new sisterhood

I went to a movie with my friend Patty yesterday and she suggested I blog about my trike rides and events around them and the fellowship that occurred as a result. I generally ride in the mornings for two hours 3 - 4 days a week. Often I see my neighbors from their cars. One of my neighbors helps me on the trike. As a thank you gesture, I invited four of the neighbor women for wine and appetizers one evening this week. A couple of the women I had never seen outside their cars. We discussed making this get together a regular occurrence. One neighbor suggested we start a kind of “sorority” and we should give ourselves a name. At my age it is not that common or easy to make new friends and my stroke brings out interesting behavior in others. Neighbors and my new friends want to go out of their way to help me. Since Bob and I are often apart, it is very comforting for both of us to know we have such a strong support network. Stroke survivors need many different types of support and this group provided a great respite. They helped me know that I can build new friendships and there are many caring people in this world. …It takes a village to raise a child; it takes a village to support a stroke survivor.

motivators

Before my stroke and when I worked fulltime, I was busy all day, every day. I have not experienced this kind of busy until the last couple of weeks. The first of the two was the planning and hosting our first artist reception in our new gallery, in Houston aka, Capitol Street Gallery It was the most fulfilling time for me – to have something to look forward to every day that did not include rehabilitation. I did, however always include some form of daily exercise. Two sisters visited me prior to the reception and one after. Their visits were timely and also kept me busy. Just having the company puts a spring in my step. In addition, I am a volunteer for the Greater East end Houston Management District. Since we will live in the East end of Houston when we move, I have a vested interest to get involved with the activities in this district. Since I don’t work fulltime, I should always have something to occupy my time and skills. When people ask me how I spend my day I’m very conscientious about my answer. As my sister Martha, says, “If you can’t find volunteer work, you’re not trying.” I am currently planning future artist receptions and my goal is to try and always have something to look forward to. It’s huge motivator. Stroke survivors like others need a reason to get out of bed every morning.