Simple Joys of the Power of Neuroplasticity

As I sat down to write to you dear blogging buddies, I realized something profound. Not huge, but profound.

I was with a friend on a trip to Florida a year ago this week. That in and of itself is profound. Seems like a lifetime ago. Like so many things these days. I still love dipping my toes in the waves, capturing as much Vitamin Sea as I can. I planned that trip myself, thinking, “I have to be strong and do things on my own. Sometimes.”

Being alone can be nice, right?

Fast forward a year, and life is different. I’m watching with awe as another profound scene keeps unfolding before my eyes.

Kind of like every sunrise. So peaceful and inspiring. Simple moments of awe.

The power of suggestion of my camera sitting there, ready for action, and getting very little of late. I say, “Oh, what the heck, grab it!” So with that sunrise I ran out in the cold to find something interesting to remind my brain how I love to play – just play for a tiny minute. A little rusty, eh?

Yep, the snow and the moment are gone again for another year. 2 years ago, Mr. started and finished building the new retaining wall. I never thought he’d have a stroke…guess it was lurking there, just waiting for a different time to shock us both?

Each time I think about it, my head shakes in disbelief, even though every day it is very real that he did have a stroke.

Simple things bring me comfort, like brewing us a cup of coffee – ah…fresh Keurig coffee.

Each cup of coffee helps remind us that life is short and full of heart-warming surprises, and don’t forget to grab a cookie too, dear!

I/we focus on enjoying the melting moments. Ah…and pause when we can, ‘cuz something bigger needs attention.

Mr. has gone from needing me there for everything as much throughout the day. He’s spending less time resting in bed. He can sit on the side of the bed on his own. Long enough I could run and grab my camera! Wow…I’m SO happy he’s getting stronger day by day!

Click…click…click

“Is that you? What are you doing with your camera?” Says Mr.

“I’m smiling at you sitting alone, looking to the left – the LEFT! And you’re looking out at our yard instead of a retaining wall at the nursing home with 3 of us holding you up to do so.”

The profoundness of the small wins in stroke recovery makes my heart skip a beat!

Not a day goes by now that I don’t feel the awe of the power of neuroplasticity in action. And the determination of a guy who will walk again someday.

The bittersweet joy of seeing Mr. graduate from Home Health therapy on March 19th. He said, “I hope to walk the beach with Shelley again sometime.” The therapist smiled at him as she said goodbye, “You will walk the beach with Shelley again. Don’t ever give up; keep working hard!”

Then, together, we headed into April with the accomplishments of getting into/out of the house, into/out of our car, getting the wheelchair on/off a ramp/trailer, and going to outpatient Physical Therapy. Topped off with the jaw-dropping look on my face when the PT said to Mr., “We’ll get you on the bike and work those muscles on the left leg.” Twice in one week…

He even stood without our turner aid and hugged us. Oh, how we have missed his hugs and how tall and strong he was. The power of believing in miracles, sprinkled with neuroplasticity, is so stinking amazing (albeit slow), but dang…he’s doing it, and we’re doing it together.

PS – Thank you so much for the continued prayers and support – your comments keep us both going! Hugs to all of you!