As I sit here and think about what to type to “commemorate” today… I am awestruck at how life has turned out for me (so far). Two years ago, I had a headache, that was really a blood clot and bleeding of the brain [ http://blog.scottsontherocks.com/blog/2014/04/08/a-year-ago/ ] According to statistics and many other people that I have talked to… I SHOULD NOT BE HERE. And yet, I am. I am here and walking and talking and functioning and it’s amazing. Yes, I still have pain and yes, I still forget things but it’s kinda liberating to not have to be the one in charge of remembering (because I WILL NOT remember). Poor Jeff 😉 I really cannot spend much time sitting in front of the computer as the reading really bothers me, it’s hard to explain but it makes my head hurt and that makes me get confused easier??
So, now, instead of being a computer geek, I’m hanging out, a few days a week, at our friends’ (Leung’s) carwash and cashiering. Well, that’s what they call it, I think I’m awful but they haven’t fired me yet 😉 The only thing I have to remember is WHY I am the one standing there and you are handing ME money 😉 I have a little list I go through and as long as I don’t get distracted from my list… I seem to do fine. Most customers go on about their merry way and probably give me no other thought (as life should be). But some, have noticed mistakes or ask me if I remember them (obviously “regulars”) and for them, I stop and explain. Clearly, some of the regulars have taken to “testing my memory” but so far… no luck.
So two years ago, I had the fortune of a pretty good memory and writing things down (mostly here on the blog). Now, I still have journalling habit and I can go back and look at what I have done but for the most part, I have no memory of it. It’s weird but it’s not. It’s clearly written in my voice so I can “imagine” me doing/saying things. And, watching any “new to me” movie or TV show is like watching it for the first time, no matter how many times 😉 I’m still trying to figure out “how to remember” people or things. I know it’s in there because I do remember “some things.” Like , Claudia for example. I first met her AFTER “brain clot” but I can remember her face? Which I think is a good thing. If you have any ideas, I’m all ears!
After having multiple trips to the hospital in 2013, I became completely out of shape. The nature of the blood clot, poor circulation, meds, etc, make it very difficult to exercise or spend time outside. Hanging out at the carwash has been good for me I think… or I hope. My left arm is still much weaker than my right arm (not that my right arm is strong 😉 ) and sometimes I forget and reach out and grab “heavier” things and promptly drop them. I’m impressed with our dishes because I personally have NOT broken any 😉
I have a lot to be thankful for today. I appreciate all the encouragement and thoughts & prayers and emails and txts and phone calls. It’s been really nice “reconnecting” with many of you. The best way to reach me is via email, especially if you have a question, because I can “read/unread” those emails 😉 Feel free to call or txt me (I’m not publishing it here but if you received a card, then you have it, if not, just holler (I’ll send you one 😉 ).
