How could I even suggest that having a stroke could have been a blessing?  It feels strange but, after giving it some thought, I have come to the realization that I’ve been very blessed throughout this journey.  Blessed means divinely or happily favored; fortunate to have, do, or experience something. Well, when I think about how I’ve been Blessed during this time, I  am lead to count my Blessings and name them. This makes me think of the wonderful people that have supported me:

My family:

Mom(Laurie)was at the hospital EVERYDAY  it seemed like she worked there.

Husband(George) tended to the needs of our 4 year old son everyday.

Sister(Isetta)managed all of my medical/ insurance paperwork

Sister(Isadora) took my4 year old for overnights with aunty- also facilities the hiring process for a PCA

Sister (Isabel)(always with a positive attitude)

Brother(Isaac)brought me food 

Step dad(Elijah/coach) walked with me

Aunt( Mercy)visited often and came  bearinggifts

Son(Sidney

Son(Sam)

Brother in law(Charles( took me on walks)

Uncle(James(there when I first came out of coma)

Aunt(Barbara)(there when I first came out of coma)

Cousin(Mark)(there when I first came out of coma)

Cousin(Micheal)( there when I first came out of coma)

MyFriends:

Alfredmy ( was my physician by proxy)

Tosha ( sent gift cards for meals for my family)encourager

Esther(fed me oranges)

Candy prayed for me)

Mary prayed with me)

Efe (prayed for me)

Sandra( came to visit from RichmondVa)

Jarett offered comfort before surgery)

Manzaler( visiting from phoenix,AZ

Robyn( brought audio books and helped with adaptive cooking)

Jerri(made me a quilt)

Doug( first person to get a smile out of me)

Tiffany(prayed for me)

Rhoda(offered to stay with me

Anupma/Paras( stayed with me every Friday night)

Jessica/ Joe(brought flowers and ice cream)

Christine (sent ice cream fromAMSA)

John(delivered ice cream)

Ruth(  church member who prayed for me)

Mark skipper( fellow stroke survivor)

LaShawn( masseuse)

Jolanda( gave massages)

TransitionalCareUnit rehab program staff@north Memorial Hospital(4th floor):included physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy:

Natasha

Yoshe

Rosemary

LaSonia

LaCretia

David

Kevin

Dane

Holly( referred me to Courage Kenney- felt I had high potential for recovery)

Shelly

Emily

Gretchen

Molly

Stroke Center staff @ North Memorial Hospital (7th floor):

DrHorowitz( neurologist)

Pastor Sam Yancy(Chaplain)

Dr.Sherwood(physicians Assistant)

Dr.Roach(neurosurgeon)

Darcy(nurse)

Mariah Elie(nursing assistants)

Amina(nurse)

Laura(nurse)

Laura(nurse)

George(nurse)

NorNor(nursing assistant)

Mygmar(nursing assistant)

Roxanne(nurse)

Giselle(nurse)

Lankia(nurse)

Janet(nurse)

North memorial wheelchair escort team:

Matt

Mark( jovial guy- very talkative)

Courtney( his birthday is on my anniversary)

Adnon( I tried to match him up with one of the nurses)

Nick

Gary

Negus- ( remembers me when I’m back at the hospital)

In addition to all these amazing people, I was showered with so much love from my Hopkins school family. I was also visited by numerous people who were a part of my mom’s church who came to pray with me. You never truly know how much you are loved until love is demonstrated (action)by others. for that, I am grateful. It was not only love from my family but rather, the healthcare workers   I encountered in 89 days at the hospital. That’s a lot of people and felt like a LOT of love. It’s overwhelming to think of it all! I’d say, I’m Blessed( favored/ fortunate) and definitely loved.  I wrote this to acknowledge and thank those who were my tangible representatives of God’s love. It’s such an amazing feeling to experience this! When you count and name your Blessings  as  I have, then you will truly know the love of God. He used each and every person  to care for me.I’m so grateful!