It’s been a long 2 years since Glenn suffered a major stroke. Here’s an update on how he’s settling into his new normal.
Short version:
Now back in Anchorage year round, Glenn is surrounded by our amazing kids, awesome friends, an excellent care team, and his beloved cat Pippen. While no longer independent, Glenn is mobile, cognizant with his memory fully intact. He is generally cheerful and cooperative. He’s understandably frustrated with his disabilities and impairment, but understands that his recovery has been exceptional and he always has potential for a good life - something he CAN control. Glenn is committed to live his best life. ❤️
Long version:
After working towards his recovery for a year+ in both Anchorage and Austin, Glenn’s ongoing care needs are difficult to manage in two locations. We reluctantly gave up our winter Austin townhouse and have returned to Anchorage year round. Now Glenn is surrounded by his fantastic support system: Jackson lends a hand with his care at home, Bryce is a frequent visitor, his friends keep him connected and busy, his caregiver and medical team keep him healthy and working on his recovery. His beloved cat Pippen keeps him entertained and comforted.
His disability keeps Glenn from being independent, but he is still “himself.” His memories are fully intact despite his cognitive impairment; he is generally cheerful and content. He loves conversations about events in his childhood, his long career, and exciting past travels. But then simple math befuddles him, days and time are hard to track, which is so frustrating for an engineer! He can overcome some of that on good tech days but some days, the tech devices don’t seem to work as expected.
Even with left-side physical deficits, he’s mobile and capable of walking several miles, and can use the stairs - which is helpful in our multi-level home! His new studded winter boots keep him walking in the neighborhood in snow and ice. He is cold sensitive which is a challenge in Alaska winters, but Glenn is grateful for his hi-tech heaters, sister-made lap quilts, fleece jackets, and a faithful cat sleeping on his lap.
His days are filled with keeping up with sports and favorite TV shows, physical and occupational therapy, neighborhood walks, and texting with family & friends. His weekly highlight is happy hour with friends - a group that’s been meeting for years at local breweries. He chooses to follow a fairly strict diet to help keep his health markers in check. When I travel, Glenn stays in a resident respite care program and enjoys the social connections and various activities.
The highlight this year was when Glenn walked Bryce down the aisle at her summer wedding to Skylar. The Alaska weather cooperated and we loved hosting family and friends for all the festivities around the wedding. Our home was full of laughter and love. It was such a time to remember!
Glenn enjoyed time last summer at the Russian River with his friends on the annual fish fest. In November, our dear friends Jerome & Tresa graciously hosted us in Hawai’i - and Glenn is sure that’s the best place to spend winters!
As Glenn settles into his life as a stroke survivor, he is staying centered on the things most important to him - spending time with his family and friends, maintaining his health, continuing his recovery, and enjoying his abundant life. As we move through the holidays and into a new year, we wish you all well and encourage you to count your blessings, hug your loved ones, look after your health, and savor your ordinary days. Life can change in an instant - don’t learn to appreciate all of life’s wonders after a crisis. Treasure each day now. ❤️
