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Thankful to be a stroke survivor

November 26, 2009 Steve Patterson 4 Comments

For nearly two years now I’ve been thankful every day that I am a stroke survivor.  That moment when you are certain your life will soon be over is surreal.  When I awoke from sedation in ICU almost a month later just the idea of still being alive was more important than the fact I couldn’t move my left side and that I had a tracheotomy to enable me to breath while I was on a ventilator.  Early on I was so very thankful the doctors didn’t reinsert the speaking valve after I removed it in my first days awake.

I’ve adjusted to my physical limitations.  It helps that each day, week, month my physical limitations are fewer.  In a way I am thankful for having had a stroke.  That may sound weird but it helped me lose 80 lbs.  I have become a more organized, focused person as a result.  As a disabled person I will be a better urban planner. Accessibility is not just minimum widths from guidelines for me — it is very real.

I’m thankful for my family, friends and all of you that read this blog.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

– Steve Patterson

 

Currently there are "4 comments" on this Article:

  1. john says:

    Pedestrian accessibility is real and that is why the New 64 is just another big Turkey for many residents who want to travel to needed destinations to the north and south. In effect the region is virtually managed by political turkeys who enjoy chopping off the feet of their constituents. Glad you have been able to turn misfortune into many positives.

    Be thankful for those who can via a good laugh:
    http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs

     
  2. mmnewman says:

    I'm thankful for your health, Steve!

     
  3. Anonymous says:

    Thanks Steve for sharing your inspiring, empowering and touching story with us.  I’m pretty sure this time, you are recovering well from stroke.  And just like you, I want to inspire and touch people’s lives and I want to take this opportunity to share to you TAKE A BOW – A full-length documentary about a beloved and highly respected piano professor Ingrid Clarfield who suffered a severe stroke at age 60.  Ingrid takes us on a remarkable journey from physical adversity and emotional struggle to victory of the human spirit and the desire to make a difference.  You can check her website: http://www.takeabowingrid.com. Hoping that you can also share her story and spread the message and inspire others.  God bless. 🙂

     
  4. Take_A_Bow_Story says:

    Thanks Steve for sharing your inspiring, empowering and touching story with us.  I’m pretty sure this time, you are recovering well from stroke.  And just like you, I want to inspire and touch people’s lives and I want to take this opportunity to share to you TAKE A BOW – A full-length documentary about a beloved and highly respected piano professor Ingrid Clarfield who suffered a severe stroke at age 60.  Ingrid takes us on a remarkable journey from physical adversity and emotional struggle to victory of the human spirit and the desire to make a difference.  You can check her website: http://www.takeabowingrid.com. Hoping that you can also share her story and spread the message and inspire others.  God bless. 🙂

     

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