The phrase "one day at a time" is often associated with those in recovery from drugs or alcohol. However, it can also be applied to any situation where one re-discovers the preciousness of life.
How would you live day to day if you found out that you had an inoperable condition which could take your life at any moment? That is exactly what happened to Carol, known as Stazjia on Squidoo. In "I Had a Mini-Stroke and What Happened After," she shares her very personal story. Besides highlighting very helpful information about the signs and symptoms of strokes, she also explains how she felt and her subsequent thought process when told that her condition was inoperable. Carol's first thought was that she couldn't die before the Olympics came to London in 2012!
Since her stroke, Carol has come to terms with her situation and taken some practical steps in the event that she has another stroke, for example, moving into a sheltered flat (complete with alarm cords) with a manager on site. She deals with limitations such as fatigue and short-term memory loss. All in all, she tries to keep life as normal as possible, focusing on doing the things she loves, like writing. To quote Carol, "It is possible to live contentedly and meaningfully. Perhaps the important things are to find something you want to do and to achieve a level of calm without lying to yourself about your condition."
Carol is an inspiration to me and many others. One way I know this for sure is when I look at the comments on her page. They are powerful and show how well she has connected with others by writing about her experience. And you will see that she has responded to almost every comment. Thank you, Carol, for sharing your story and I wish for you front row seats at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Visit: I Had a Mini-Stroke and What Happened After
Thank you for your lovely review of my page. I don't think of myself as an inspiration for others. I don't want to spend my life worrying about dying from a stroke or other cardiovascular condition. If I did that, just think how very annoyed I'd be if I was run over by a bus or truck instead!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful lens, Carol has made. So helpful to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke, as they seem to be more prevalent at least with the people I know.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to Carol and review of her work, Kim.
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI remember this story and how upset I was when I read it. I am one of those that Carol made a huge impression on, and I follow her examples and listen when she has something to say. Respect...it all boils down to respect, and I am ever so glad for every day that Carol is healthy and can be found online somewhere.
Thank you for highlighting Carol's story of Surviving a Stroke..
You've shared here one of the most moving stories I've read on Squidoo, Kim. Carol writes with honesty and a complete lack of self-pity about this frightening and life-altering experience, I am sure this frankness has contributed to the way in which her words connect with others thrown into a similar situation. She is indeed an inspiration, both as a writer and as a person dealing with such a challenge. I'm glad you chose this lens.
ReplyDeleteKim, you found a treasure from a very talented writer. ...Carol, you definitely are an inspiration. Very glad to know you, lady, and if I could, I'd be right there with you at the 2012 Olympics.
ReplyDeleteA great read, indeed.
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