I spent 13 years at my job in aerospace engineering before my stroke in 1994.
I wrote lots and lots of technical reports, as an engineer and you get used to technical writing. My apologies in advance. I will do my best to at least make sure my blog is fact based.
I had my stroke while on an extended business trip in Toulouse, France. I had been there for more than two months. I have a brainstem stroke. My stroke caused quadraplegia and numerous other serious disabilities. I recovered enough movement that I can type using an infrared headpointer and on-screen keyboard. I founded The Stroke Network, a website for online stroke support and numerous stroke resources.
I have a beautiful wife of of over 34 years and two lovely daughters; Traci -29, who is married to Pete with a daughter, Liv, and Erin – 26.
Hi, Steve! You probably don’t remember me, but Missy and I have known each other for years! (I remember you best from high school days–long hair. . . dating Missy! Oh well–I’m old. .. .) My mom goes to Union Chapel, as did I when I was in high school and college. You and Missy have amazed me ever since your stroke. You both are an inspiration to the rest of us! I read your account of the stroke, and it is truly a nightmare. I teach in a middle school, and my classroom is across the hall from the health classroom. I’ll probably mention your story to that teacher, and also your advice about teaching kids about stroke in the middle school. I’ll see what, if anything, they do teach about it. Unfortunately, another cause of stroke is drug abuse. We’ve had too much experience with that in our family, as our son (age 24) is a heroin addict. He’s a RECOVERING addict, which is wonderful, but heroin addiction is lifelong–we just pray daily that he will continue to fight the addiction.
Also, sadly, in our school we’re coming face-to-face with drug use. We’ve had 5 students arrested AT SCHOOL this year for drug transactions and possession–3 dealers and 2 possession. 2 of the 3 dealers were 7th graders! We also had 2 students arrested for armed robbery (not at school), for either drugs or money for drugs. There are several more students I know are drug users from their behavior, and that was confirmed by the guidance counselor. We are surrounded by risky behavior–a good deal of it much more serious than the bad habits of being a couch potato. Perhaps the stroke information might help be a deterrent to the drug idea–it would be worth that, too!
Tell Missy hello–and I hope all is well with your family.
Debbie Tull Paulsgrove