In honor of celebrating life, we choose to celebrate it early and together as a couple. August 31st will mark the one year anniversary of what I like to call our "Beautiful Heartbreak" Even though the brain bleed was rough, during the past year, we have experienced moments that I have taken our breath away. We would like to share some of these moments and while some of these moments may seem small they have been true large moments for our family.
1. Meeting Dr. Peter Boulski Even though he firmly told me my condition could be "fatal" he was very smart and my brain was in good hands.
2. The ICU Nurses were wonderful and even though I could not get out of bed they found away to wash my hair and helped me feel half human again.
3. Holding my cousin's new baby a week after I came home from the hospital.
4. All of the many people who helped us and brought in meals, took care of our children, took care of me, and helped Kirk complete is Master's degree
5. Meeting Dr. Piker who brought relief to my headaches.
6. Meeting and still working with all of my therapists, and the progress that they have helped me make and continue to make.
7. Grandpa Walker passing away and Kirk leaving for Idaho and the kids and I staying at my friend Laura's house.
8. Kirk's Graduation
9. My Grandpa passing away on Valentine's Day. My heart truly broke that day and I miss him every day.
10. Passing my Driver's assesment with the OT.
11. Being alive to celebrate Isabella's 4th Birthday
12. Celebrating Mother's Day
13. Being alive to celebrate and attend Zachary's 8th Birthday and Baptism.
14. Learning about the cognitive damage my brain bleed caused and what to do about it.
15. Going to the gym.
16. Going to the beach with my children and having fun.
17. Watching Zachary swim for the first time.
18. Losing my Aunt Ellen and my Great-Aunt Beth
19. Reading and being able to relate to the lady who wrote the book "My Stroke of Insight"
20. Feeling my left side get a little bit stronger each month and my brain a little more sharper each month.
21. Getting to love and embrace my new brain and life!
