Today, I’m starting my third week of independence. Bob started his new job in Houston three weeks ago, which leaves me home during the week--so far so good with some twists, (more on this later). A typical day consists of reading the paper, Spanish class and homework, a two-hour bike ride, errands, de-cluttering the house in preparation for our move to Houston, and house chores to prepare for showings. Bob handled our move to Austin 100% on his own since I was traveling, ’m determined to make up for this 13 years later.When I get bored I cook and I went a little crazy preparing for bob's homecoming the first weekend. I made a quiche, blueberry corncakes, chocolate chip cookies, and meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Several of these were challenging with one hand. This is one of the twists, before cooking I have to stop and think through all the steps to make sure I can handle with one hand.One afternoon I was in our dressing area and I dropped my cane. When I tried to move, I couldn't and certain I would fall. I now know t the meaning of apoplectic, i.e., I froze . I was very shaky and just didn’t want to fall. If I fell it would ruin the entire weekend. I stood there frozen and my PT training kicked in; “shift your weight and take a step”. I did this and it worked, but I had to talk myself through the entire process, which was scary. . Just like cooking I have challenges and I work through them.
Those days and hours of PT are critical to the long-term rehabilitation of stroke survival. Six plus years later, lessons learned in the early days post stroke– surface time and time again.
Wow Annie. 30 miles a week, and cooking all of those dishes - your hard work and focus are paying off.
ReplyDeletep.s. you DO make the best cookies, still remember those you made at Calistoga that made the house and outdoors smell heavenly.