The challenge to do something new

[Thursday afternoon]

Before I get to what's on my mind this afternoon, I want to thank you all for the comments you left on my last blog post. I love getting comments from you--either here or emailed to me in response to my emailed blog post if you subscribe to receive new posts directly to your email account. I do try to respond to each comment personally, to tell you thank you and to let you know how much I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Your comments make blogging feel like more of a conversation rather than me doing all the talking. So thank you and keep the comments coming!

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After  I moved to Denver in April 2014, I started going to counseling each week, seeing a woman I  have known for years who offers biblical counseling. I think I first met her as a young girl, attending Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs in the late 1970s. I clearly remember playing in her family's pop-up camper on church camping trips and knew her children from Sunday school and youth group in later years after my family returned to Colorado Springs from living in England. She and her husband are good friends with my parents and I saw her from time to time when they would camp with my parents at a state park here in Denver. My family and I would go to the campground for dinner and to hang out for a few hours. Because of our history together, counseling with her is a natural and easy fit. She knows me and my family and was already familiar with my stroke and all the circumstances around it. 

She has helped me deal with the ups and downs of divorce and the ups and downs of recovery and regaining so much of what was lost in having a stroke and losing independence and ability.  She is one of the most faithful prayer warriors I know and has become a friend as well as my counselor.

These days, I drive down to Colorado Springs a couple of times a month to see her.

And every week before we say goodbye, she challenges me to do something I haven't done since my stroke. Knowing she will ask me what I did when I arrive for my next appointment prompts me to challenge myself and push myself a little more.

At first, she picked some of those challenges--some have been successful and others have not:

I have learned to dress myself (This may be too much information, but I can put on a bra one-handed!) to do laundry, to vacuum, to cook meals, to walk Maddie alone, to drive, to find my own church, to manage my medications and medical appointments by myself, to grocery shop for Mom, to manage my own money and balance my checkbook, to stay home alone so my parents can travel and quite a few other things that aren't coming to mind quickly.

I have tried to get in and out of the tub (that one didn't work out so well--even fully dressed--which is why I have not tried a real bubble bath!!) I flew for  the first time post-stroke in January 2016 (that one did work out well!)

And recently, I have gone to the doctor for a physical alone, joined the singles group at church, had my blood drawn alone--a big deal for this girl who really dislikes needles, pumped gas and more...

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I try to keep a few new goals in mind so I'm not scrambling for something new the day before my next appointment. I do have more time these days since I don't see her every week, which also gives me some time to get things planned and on the calendar.

All that to say, I am planning to try something new tomorrow! I have volunteered at the  rehab hospital where I spent a couple of months after my stroke for more than a year now, taking Maddie to visit stroke survivors and offer some  encouragement in their recovery and to share information about the stroke center since I have received so much help there. 

I have not been consistent in volunteering there in a while and have always gone with Mom or Dad or both--partly because I couldn't get there alone and  partly because it's easier and more comfortable to do as a group.

Now that I can get myself there, I need to be more consistent with volunteering and make it happen.

Mom and Dad have a caregiver group meeting and luncheon at the stroke center tomorrow but my calendar is wide open.

So tomorrow morning, I will load Maddie and her leash into the car, put on my volunteer badge, grab a stack of stroke center brochures and hit the road.

Maddie and I will check in at the nurses station, get a list of rooms for stroke survivors, knock on doors and meet some new people. Along the way, we will catch up with staff (we always see nurses and therapists who helped me when I was a patient there)

 

 

Comments

[Dawn Welcj]

Joanne, YOU ARE AMAZING! Everyone could take a lesson from your determination. I am so glad you are blogging regularly again. I enjoy seeing your Facebook updates but appreciate hearing your your heart and deeper thoughts in your blogging.

[Holly Smith]

I love this so much, my friend! You are a beautiful picture of the overcoming power of God -- that dunamis kind of strength that accomplishes and never quits. I love you so! And I will be praying for you tomorrow with a smile on my face!

[Carol]

Wow Joanne you are awesome , I have been following you since your stroke and you have inspired me in many ways . You are an encouragement to many . You go girl I am proud of you , I enejoy reading your blog I may not always comment but I do read.
I remember the first day we prayed for you we were all on conference call and I was not sure how to do that but I figured it out after the second time .
Thank you and it’s an honor and privilege to know you .
Carol

[Brandi Luiz]

Enjoying your adventures! So glad you are typing again and sharing with us! I am sure you are blessing the patients as much as it blesses you!

[Dawn]

How do you do your bra with one hand ?? Of all you massive and greatly impressive accomplishments, post stroke, this is the one that’s wowed me. I love that you are going back, with Maddie to give hope. Be brave and be strong.....I say that to my daughter each day when I drop her at school, I think you are a great example of that

[Patti M]

You will be a great blessing to those still in the trenches ❤️

[Terry (mzzterry)]

Yea God! Yea Joanne!!
I believe we are given these opportunities to grow so we might touch others and glorify God! MS was my tool, stroke recovery is yours! The more we grow and can reach others, the mor He gives us opportunities! ❤️❤️❤️

[Lisa walker]

Wow! So proud of you for all that you have overcome and your willingness to share and help others. I hope you and Maddie have a wonderful experience today as you help others with their stroke journeys. I'm borrowing your "try something new" plan. What a great way to jump- start our lives when they have been interrupted.... and what a wonderful way to let God direct us in the plans He has for our time on this side of Heaven. Sending you love and gratitude for being so authentic. ❤️ Lisa Walker

[Beth]

What a blessing you (& Maddie) will be to those people - and a light for Jesus! So proud of all you've accomplished and continue to do! ...and the bra? How in the world?! "Fun facts from Jo". :)

[Kary Ross]

I too agree with Beth that you are God's answer to all those folks you're sharing Maddie with and getting to share yourself with them as well. Keep sharing Jesus! You encourage men!! I should be doing that as well and getting myself out and doing the same!! God is going before you planning each step and handshake and hug!! <3

Duet 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

[Kary Ross]

Oh, I just re-read my comments above! That next to last paragraph should read

"You encourage me!" not men! lol

Bless you and your day!

[Charlotte Moore]

Good for you! You will be a BLESSING to those people you and Maddie visit. GOD BLESS yours you will be BLESSING others.

[Sharon]

Joanne, You can't imagine how excited I get when I see that you've posted on your blog! I love reading what you are up to. Putting on a bra one handed takes some serious talent, I'm sure! I'm so proud of you for all you have done and will keep on doing. Enjoy your time at the stroke center!

[Michelle]

You are simply amazing. What you have accomplished is so wonderful. I love seeing you posts. I pray for you every night.

Michelle

[laura]

It is so inspiring that you are able to share your gifts! What a resilient and loving spirit! :)

[Cheryl]

You are truly amazing! Some of the things you listed are things I would be too scared to do on my own and I am 56 and have not had a stroke! Keep on challenging yourself!!! You are in inspiration to me and so many others!!

[Chris G]

You are truly an inspiration. Your transparency is such a blessing. Thank you for sharing your journey and thank you for continuing to blog even though it is not easy. Can't wait to hear what's next!

[Amelia Onsrud]

Way to go sweet friend!!! So proud of you! What an inspiration and blessing you are! Hope you and Maddie enjoy this new adventure! Keep us posted! Prayers always! :)

[Rebecca]

Simply amazing! I need to take the challenge of trying new things myself. Thanks for the encouragement to do it! I hope you and Maddie have a fantastic time at the Center!💜