First of all, my apologies. I know this is not my best work. Last month I had another mini stroke. Not a bad one, but, none of them are good. This is the first time I’ve been able to put pen to paper in a while, so, please bear with me.
I guess we have all had Brain Fa*ts where we forget where we put the keys and after a frantic hunt, find them in our pocket. Lose a word or a name for a few minutes. Then Voila, there it is. Or maybe not so soon. And the banana. I know I brought it home. I know I didn’t eat it. WHERE THE HELL IS IT???
It seems that when these Brain Fa*ts happen, you are supposed to just slough it off ( or sluff it ough ). Then magically, forget about it. It’s not a problem. I’m trying to do just that. But, it’s hard. And it’s scary. Really scary.
When the first mini struck, it took a while to get all the words and names back. A long while. I know they are on the way back now. The concentration will be back too. I just wish they would hurry. Please!
I’m sharing this for multiple reasons. The SKP indoctrination of sharing goes deep. It’s also cathartic. Just putting this out there seems to be a great help.
More importantly, maybe these words will resonate with someone in a similar situation. Maybe seeing someone else trying to deal with trying to climb a gigantic hill, an inch at a time, will help. Maybe knowing that someone has beaten something really terrifying, and is determined to beat it again will help. Maybe someone won’t feel so scared and frustrated. How great is that!
Fred Prout
You are my mentor, my dear sweet friend and one of the bravest most determined people I know. You have always set the bar high and exceeded it. You’ve given me strength and hope during my trying times to set my bar high and exceed it. Carry on …thats what we do. I’m here for you always and your greatest fan!
How beautiful!
It is great! And, yes Fred; you can beat this. God bless you. Have a blessed Easter weekend!!
In October 2018 in Malaga, Spain, ( a port day on a ship heading to Florida), I had what the ship’s doctor diagnosed as a TIA. Although the only symptom I exhibited was some ‘minor’ slurring, I was transferred to a local hospital and for three days subjected to just about every test known to ‘personkind’, (did pretty well running the maze, and the cheese was delicious). Been lucky since then, no recurrences, but the ‘what if’ thought is always lurking.
Then, just recently, my late wife’s best friend got hit with a stroke while getting off a plane in Dallas….considerably worse….she’s currently undergoing rehab with no clear prognosis.
Scary times.
Hope you make a full recovery Fred….you deserve to!
All the best.
Love reading your stories! I wish you well!
We pray for you Fred and know you will beat a little set back. Continue on and you will keep writing your great words of wisdom. Mike and Marie.
I really understand as a by stander. It is hard to watch when you know that you and the person confused can do nothing but wait for the fog to go away. Take care and know you are loved by many friends.
“Sluff it ough”, Fred !
Your sense of humor & way with words is still intact.
May you find blessings & bravery in every day.
I love you Fred and think of you often and now will pray more often. I love your stories and feel as though we are sitting at a table drinking tea and having a wonderful time. Keep the stories coming, I know we all enjoy them more than you will ever know. Hang in there and hang on. You’ve actually got a crowd behind you urging you on.
Fred, I fully understand and glad that you are recovering. My prayers are truly sent to up for your full recovery.
Well … you may not realize it but I think the worst is behind you. This “story” is just as good as any of your others. No one would ever know there was a problem. Just hang in there. I’m pulling for you just like all your other friends who obviously care so very much about you. You are unique … one of a kind. Best, Val
Hi Fred,
I want to compliment you on the courage you’ve shown by telling us about your personal experiences, in such delightful ways and words. I’m glad to see you haven’t forgotten your friends here in Timber Valley – nor we you – because it is so good to share our thoughts and concerns with each other. It is truly wonderful to have friends who know what to say, or not say, because of our shared life experiences.
So, thanks for sharing and keep up the chore of bringing back those forgotten words and facts. They are there! I look forward to seeing you again soon. Rick De Young