I had a stroke this week

It’s one way to get a private parking space. I doubt the trade off will be worth it though.

Otherwise, it was a good week. Each day we wake up, we never really know what lies ahead on our journey. Stuff happens. Are we mentally prepared for the worst case scenario?

Life does not always follow our appointment calendar. My biggest concern for a few days was changing my scheduled work appointments and feeling guilty for not being able to meet some deadlines I had set for my clients. Now, my biggest concern is hoping they will allow me a little more time and be willing to accept my new slower pace.

The brain is a marvelous thing. We take it and our other body functions pretty much for granted until something goes wrong with it. Typing this post is a lot harder, what with my new left hand wackyness. I’ve heard that you can re-train your brain with effort and rehabilitation. Let the training begin.

My normal positive outlook on life should keep me on course. I must admit that I’m moving into the acceptance mode from the denial mode reluctantly. I just thought I was having a hunger pain and the dizziness and funny walking gait would go away after a little food and rest. Not so.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke. It’s pretty serious.

They seem so much like just a momentary thing. It took me about 36 hours to even give serious consideration to my wife’s recommendations to see a doctor. Maybe it’s the male machismo thing or “that will never happen to me” attitude.

Well, that was “wrong thinking”. It did happen to me. And, now I have to deal with it.

Listen closely to those who love us.

I will not let this get me down though. I’ve written before about “Response-Ability”. It applies to everything in life. How we respond to what happens to us determines our happiness.

So, for now, I will walk a little funny. That’s not a big deal. After all, I wear a Big NameTag at networking events. It can’t be much more unusual than that. So when you see me at an event next time, and I’m walking a little slower, rejoice with me that my little stroke could have been a lot worse. I have been blessed to retain the movement of my hands, my ability to speak, and the awareness of my mind.

I will continue to be That Sales Guy, Your Internet Sales Consultant, a caring husband, father, and grandpa. Just a little slower getting from hear to there. I love life and am happy to continuing enjoying my journey through it. I will not let a little “dis-ability” affect my “response-ability”.