Aftermath

Thank you for the cards, e-mails, calls, food and visits. And most of all the prayers for my recovery. I am getting stronger every day, I think–– and hope to be back at church soon.
The problem is still with two fingers not working properly on my right hand. Plus, I occasionally reach for a word and it's not there.

Because the stroke came on so suddenly, and without warning, Audrey has the natural fear that there might be another. She refuses to let me be alone for more than a few minutes. I appreciate the attention but... please.

Sunday she, John Mark, and Daniela went to church and I stayed home. The two little girls from across the street came to spend the morning with me. I have known them since the day they were each born and have baby-sat them in years past. Now they were returning the favor.

We watched "Scooby -Doo" (and Reed Bernick preaching off to the side), perused some games on their pink Kindles, and played Jenga. At ages 10 and 6, Autumn and Irene are full of life and fun. They sang and danced for me, and we all three acted in some video dramas we took turns filming. They wanted to play Chess, but I had to confess that I never learned how. The girls are smart, mature, and I thoroughly enjoyed their company.

I was exhausted by the time my family got home–– but it was a good feeling. I caught with Reed's excellent sermon a little later.

I am sleeping later than I have in years, and supplementing that with a nap most days. Reading doesn't hold my attention but I do skim the newspaper each morning. We're watching the Olympics in the evenings. The great weather we've been having lately has me out on the deck for meals and later just to sit and gaze into the  night sky. Yesterday we went to Springfield Towne Center and I walked every corridor to get some exercise .

All the literature I received from the hospital warns of the likelihood of depression following a stroke. I can certainly understand why–– but so far I've not experienced any of that.
A Virginia Baptist pastor who I greatly respect, now retired, called the other night to advise and encourage me from his experience with this. He told me to keep a positive attitude and to constantly rehearse how God had blessed and taken care of me. To stay cheerful and hopeful.
I'm going to do it.

"Interrupt anxiety with gratitude," says Sarah Wilson. That's also what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7– "Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
I'm going to do that, too.