Tom got to come home today – and boy, was he ready. He’s now marked “independent” on getting in and out of bed and chair, showering and going to the toilet, and running around in his wheelchair. He has progressed so fast that I can’t keep up, and his therapists are truly impressed. He can … read more The homecoming
Author: Lisa
The oak, falling – Part 2
I could hear the chainsaws across the valley a little after 8 a.m., and I knew it was at my house. I sat on Sara’s deck, looking out into the obliterating mist, and cried. She came out and sat with me. We talked and drank coffee. Finally, I got dressed and drove to my house, where a 10-ton oak … read more The oak, falling – Part 2
Fallen oak
Angela hesitated before she told me why she was calling. “Ma’am… I’m sorry to tell you this… but…. “A huge tree fell on your house.” Oh my GOD. I started to cry. I knew right away which tree it was, and I knew that the damage would be enormous. “My husband had a stroke and … read more Fallen oak
Private parts
One important thing I have learned about writing is to tell the truth. But because this blog is public, I can’t always tell the truth. There are times I have avoided writing the post that I really needed to write because it might hurt someone’s feelings or violate their privacy if I am honest about my day. I … read more Private parts
No reply
If I called and wanted to give you money, wouldn’t you call me back? It’s a “sales lead.” It means, Here’s a customer who wants to spend money with your business. Well-run businesses follow up promptly. Lately, I’ve had a run of small businesses that don’t get back to me. Makes me crazy. Nail Taxi: I’ve made three … read more No reply
A path to Lullwater
Tom wasn’t done with rehab today until nearly 5 p.m. I wanted to beat the rush hour traffic, so I drove into town early and went to explore the vast park just across the street from the rehab hospital. Lullwater Park is part of the Emory University campus, and technically is only available to students and … read more A path to Lullwater
Taking a shower
Tom startled me by confessing he’d taken a shower. By himself. Those of us who haven’t had a stroke take a shower every day, without thinking about it. For Tom, this accomplishment is real cause for celebration. It’s made up of so many individual accomplishments, each of which took hours of therapy and exercise to perfect. First, being … read more Taking a shower
Natural aids
Awake before 5 and my restless mind couldn’t get back to sleep. When I tried to get up at 6:30, I collapsed into anxiety. I sobbed at the thought of having to leave this beautiful home in the mountains in just a few hours. I begged the universe to come to my aid. Is anyone out … read more Natural aids
Drunken bees
One of the reasons I grow passionflower is to serve as a bartender to bees. They love the rich nectar of this showy blossom so much that they get drunk on it. The first sign is when the bee simply sits on the barstool without moving. Next, they get disoriented and can’t seem to navigate the bar, … read more Drunken bees
Listening to her voice
I seldom watch political speeches. I watched her speech because it was an historic moment: the acceptance speech of the first woman to be nominated for U.S. President by a major political party. I also watched it because wanted to understand why people don’t like Hillary Clinton. In the first five minutes, I was afraid that she had … read more Listening to her voice