I can't believe its been 7 months since my last Journal entry, which speaks to my improved mobility and a growing agenda for daily life. In fact, I'm now driving which is the final frontier of independence. But I don't want to lose my connection with you all. And now it's a year since the stroke. 

It feels like I should make some grand proclamation - it is, after all, a significant Birthday, but I'm thinking everyone is so over this stroke story and ready to move on.  Well no one is more so than me, although I sort of miss the excuse to nap half the day. Of course the two events are inextricably linked so that I can never talk about the one without reference to the other. 

So many lessons learned; so many more left but I hope that my Father, Son, and Holy Spirit receptors have been sharpened and my body, mind and spirit become healthier and more balanced at last. As I begin my second year of recovery and healing, there is a greater tension between doing-so-much-better and not-completely-well-yet.  In truth my arm and hand have quite a ways to go but as long I'm seeing improvement I am hopeful and glad to say "not done yet." 

Saving the best words for last, this is the perfect time to say thank you to all of you,  my friends, who have prayed for me, wished me well, and helped me in a hundred different ways. Then there's my sweet daughter, Dorothy, who had to suddenly navigate her prom, graduation and first year of college around her mother's health and she was so brave.  It wasn't fair that her year was eclipsed by me and I hope that I can make it up to her some day. Finally, my amazing husband has been my rock, best friend, and constant companion and it feels as if we have rediscovered each other.  From the exhausting travels from hospital to Duson's (where he stayed for several weeks) to work, to home and back again, for 6 weeks, mostly on a bus, he wins "best Husband" all around. Then setting aside his theatre career for a year just to be with me - there are no words. 

There would be no recovery without all of you. I am so incredibly blessed. You are the best birthday gifts anyone could receive.

Thank you!!!!