The future

[Bobbi]

I had a stroke. You did too?

Dealing with what you lost is a challenge.
Maybe, just maybe you can get some of it back.

Counting up what remains and trying to find ways to make that matter is a positive response to the stroke thing.
I lost use of my right side. So I’m no longer right, instead all wrong?
A little sinister even? Can’t say I’m over the moon about it.

Well the other side is left.
So what’s left?

Well I can make sort of cute crap left handed drawings. I can use a keyboard. I can use a smartphone to take pictures and movies. I can pull faces at the camera and make noises.

With these assets I can entertain, instruct and even be a source of diversion and inspiration.

So, despite the downside,
I don’t need to climb on the scrap heap right away.

I’ll stay around for now.
. . . and make noises.

HAPPY BREAKFAST !!

[EmeraldEyes]

Hey Bobbi, have you ever considered joining any local stroke support groups now you’re mobile? Ok, it may not be for you, but you certainly would be good for them!

Something to consider…unless you already do

Lorraine

[Bobbi]

The local group ceased in April just as I tried to join.

Its members still meet but don’t want new folk.

That’s largely why I am busy here.

[Mrs5K]

Your left handed drawings are far better than anything I have ever been able to produce although I accept not as good as your pre stroke drawings were.

I think I try and make the best of the hand I have been dealt. Although some days more successfully than others.

Havin use of both arms certainty puts me at an advantage over others, although I have had to work hard, twice, to get the use back. If only my leg would do as it is told

Onwards and upwards we go.

[ManjiB]

Not that you need any inspiration, but I would like to share something with you.

I have always been awe of what some people can achieve under extremely challenging circumstances.

Christy Brown, Irish artist. Brief Interview from 1962.

[Lizzie22]

Hi Bobby,
I had the same problem, my local group disbanded a couple of months before I had my stroke, so there is no local group for me either.

[Bobbi]

Hello @Lizzie22

At least we have this forum and those who use it.
Its regulars are my ‘online group’.

We can enjoy a conversation here.
We console, encourage and share.
We make a contact that is reassuring.
It can provide a break from the isolation.

Life goes on.
We make the world we live in.
Hopefully we build something worth sharing.

I wrote this about ten months after stroke:

Ground control to Major Tom

are you there?
can you hear me?

is there anything you need to say?

Take your protein pills and put your helmet on

Here am I floating 'round my tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there’s nothing I can do

And I think my spaceship knows which way to go

Tell us what you feel, write what you are able
Put it in a log, a diary is your friend

It doesn’t matter who hears or even if they hear.

Shout it out, it needs to be heard.

This is space, no-one has claimed it.
It is your space.

Look at yourself, see.

You are here, you will only move on,
you will not return, though you may look back.

Listen, there is much to hear.

But cry out,
you have much to say.

keep on keepin’ on

[Bobbi]

@ManjiB

Life still presents challenges but aren’t the challenges what it is all about?

keep on keepin on

[SammHaillay]

Hi Bobbi,
Welcome to the club none of us wanted to or ever really considered joining. have you tried contacting the wonderful Silver lining charity. They run a lot of online groups and are simply brilliant. https://www.thesilverlining.org.uk/
cheers, Samm

[Bobbi]

Thank you @SammHaillay

I’m glad you have found your niche.

I have a blog on Medium and recently began messing about at YouTube.

To all and anyone

There is so much worth learning.

I am also interested in a writing workshop which will be starting up later this year at Wolverhampton University.