jjohnson

Hi Friends: I would like to introduce you to my precious Granddaughter, Ryleigh Olivia. She is seven months now and she is the newest person to take residence in my heart. I have put a picture of us in my pics section. Before you check her out, I wanted to share two poems that I had written for her. The first one is what I wrote after we rec'd the call saying she was born. and the second one I wrote for her after we got to meet her for the first time and we held her. They left to go home, and I sat down and wrote this poem. I love being a Mom Mom .... my four Grandsons are precious and now Ryleigh. We are truly blessed. I will write more later on. Just wanted to get this posted and share her with the world. SO, WORLD MEET RYLEIGH OLIVIA. Have a blessed day today. God Bless, Love n Hugs, Jan Believe In Miracles And SOAR *********************************************************************************** You Had Me At Halo You truly are an Angel, Ryleigh Olivia, Our very First Granddaughter Sent from heaven high above today at 7:18 a.m. weighing 7 lbs 14 oz of love already filling your Mommy and Daddy's arms at 20 and a half inches long Ryleigh you have truly made our family complete for we already have four awesome Grandsons, Christopher, Ryan, RJ andTrenton Your Big Brother, RJ, is going to be your best friend you just wait and see for he's been waiting for his Baby Sister Thank you God for such a Blessing Sending warmth and goodness, And filling everyone with love as they hold you for the very first time The Miracle arrived Saturday, May 10th, 2008 What a blessing indeed You're so very wonderful That you had us from the start! You showed us joy and happiness, and how God does give us the desires of our hearts And you instantly won everyone's heart! May everyone continue to Believe in Miracles and SOAR Written with Love, Mom Mom May 10, 2008 *********************************************************************************** WHAT'S IN A NAME? Ryleigh Olivia is her name and my heart is what she took from the moment she entered my arms today Saturday, June 21st, 2008 From the top of her head to her tinest lil toes I just fell in love with her What a blessing, what a joy God gave us his finest ... Our Lil Ryleigh How do I find the words to thank him for this marvelous gift? Thank You just doesn't seem enough Ryleigh, I'm your Mom Mom and I'll always be here for you There might be things that I can't do with you like other family members can, But, my love for you is Pure and True I can share with you and listen and play with you I'll always love you plenty and have all the Hugs and Kisses for you Ryleigh, I'm so thankful your Mommy, Daddy and Big Brother, RJ, came and shared you with GrandPop and Me Today. Written with Love, Mom Mom June 21, 2008 :friends: :Clap-Hands: :cheer: :hug: :cloud9:

Donna: Just wanted to wish you and Kristie and blessed Christmas and know you both are in my prayers daily. I love you and am so blessed you are in my life. I love your new pic. Take care and enjoy. We have a wonderful 2009 coming our way. Uno, Dos, Trace... whoo hoooo Love, Jan God Bless Believe in Miracles and SOAR

Kimmie, I am so happy your Miracle is home and doing so well. I can't wait to hear all about your stories you will have to share. He is precious. Such a bundle of love and joy. Merry Christmas my dear friend. God Bless, Love n Hugs, Jan Believe in Miracles and SOAR

Well, here it is Christmas Eve, the 24th, can you believe it? So many thoughts I have experienced ... joy, peace, I have made some good choices which is a good thing for me. I decided not to have expectations as I would stop in my tracks and think to myself, pre stroke I would have everything done, this and that. Then the inner voice came to the forefront and said: STOP THIS THINKING... YOU ARE A BRAIN STEM STROKE SURVIVOR plus you have MD.... you aren't that same person any longer. Don't set yourself up for failure. Do what you can and enjoy life. Stop stressing over the little things. It is what it is. You want to be healthy so you can enjoy the wonder of this beautiful season. The end of 2008 and the cold winter season serve to remind me to focus on what really matters in life. I create lasting memories as I spend unforgettable moments with family and loved ones. Ireflect on all that God has done in my life over the past year. And I look forward to an even greater level of the promises of God in the year to come! I look forward to 2009 because I will be doing FINE and I look forward to each day I am given. More than any other time, Christmas, My Birthday, and New Year's are filled with hope, love, joy, peace and promise. There's a life lesson for me to learn in all of this. During the holiday season, challenges, difficulty and problems may still surround me, but if I take a moment every day to focus on God and all the ways He's blessed me, I can take my life to a new level, higher than ever before. In 2003 no one thought I would ever live to see another day ... another Christmas. I am here .... Isaiah 61:7 promises that instead of shame and trouble, God will double the inheritance of His people and they'll be filled with everlasting joy. I need to remember to be silent so I can hear the whisper of GOD. It's time to trust God for the destiny that the enemy has tried so hard to convince me was impossible. It's time to continue to believe God for the unimaginable. It's time to move beyond my past. My Brain Stem Stroke was five years ago, If I've been hurt, it's time to forgive. If I've been discouraged, it's time to put on a garment of praise and experience the joy of the Lord. If I've been worried and afraid, it's time to have faith like never before in the provision and purposes of God. It's time to live with confidence that God wants to give me a blessed and prosperous future in every area of my life! When I was learning to stand up and take baby steps, I would always say: I walk by FAITH not by site. I was so empowered and so blessed to be able to make great strides in doing just that. The power of God's promises and His love for me is so much stronger than the pain of my past. I was chosen for that journey. I have many more journeys, roads to travel. I am never alone, as God is right there beside me. God wants me to use my troubles as a springboard into my future. My troubles are what God often uses to take me to a new, higher level of living. This is what is so great about my God. He takes any trouble I have and says, "I will give you double the inheritance for your trouble." Twice the joy, twice the fulfillment, twice the impact . . . twice the life!" Today I am living my life and so appreciate it. I am making new friends that I have grown to love and enjoy. Today I am making good choices. There is so much I could say, however, this would be a BIG Blog Entry and I know how busy everyone is with getting ready for the Holiday season. I am so joyful and looking forward to 2009. I am looking forward to each day for what and how will I fill those 24 hours? This is my life, not a dress rehearsal. I am, dare I say it? HAPPY, at PEACE, GREATFUL that I survived my Brain Stem Stroke. Life is good, I have worked on forgiving myself, and I'm looking forward to my new tomorrow. Each morning I have a new canvas, how will I fill mine out? Yesterday, God painted a beautiful Ice Sculpture .... the trees all had ice on them and it was so beautiful. The simple things in life are great. I remember in rehab and the hospital, the first time I got to look out the window.... so many months before I got to do that and it was such a treat for me. When I was transferred by ambulance from the hospital to rehab I got to breath the fresh cold air and it was such a gift. The little things.... I want to wish you all a very blessed holiday season. Let there be peace on earth and good will towards all. Steve Mallory, thank you so much for the gift of this awesome site. Special prayers go out to Fate's family, Cathy and Holly love to you, and Nancy and Joe Farrell, I keep you all in my prayers and Amy is a beautiful Christmas Angel enjoying Christmas with GOD .... she and Fate are singing their hearts out up in Heaven. You all are so special to me. My five grandchildren and step children will be here on the 27th so I will hopefully have pics for you to enjoy and many a story to share with you. God Bless, Love n Hugs, Jan :artist: How will you paint your canvas for the day? :tshirt: Let's all put our Happy shirts on in the am Believe in Miracles and SOAR

Here it is Tuesday evening at 10:41pm. I am feeling frustrated. I know in the big scheme of things, it's probably a little inconvenience, however, in my situation, it is a big thing, at least to me it is. Since my BrainStem Stroke my only way to connect to the outside world and others is either by my computer or telephone. They have been such a lifeline for me and I am so appreciative of that fact. I was so looking forward to hosting my chat last evening. However, my computer had other plans. I tried everything to get in, but, the powers at be had other plans for me. OK, was this yet another trial of "patience"? Host Denny was to be there with me and I so looked forward to that. After rebooting my computer a few times, still nothing. It just wasn't meant to be. I have enjoyed getting to know other members. My computer is old and I am getting a new one that a dear friend, Bill, basically my adopted Brother, has been working on it for me. I called him today and explained my plight and he is making arrangements to come and pickup my recent computer and finish my new one and bring it to me. I am thinking I will miss the virtual party on Friday. I am greatful I still have my phone. Another disappointment is I didn't get to Weight Watchers tonight, another dang BrainStem Stroke deficit, not able to drive. get tired having to depend on others. During all this trial and tribulation I try to think of the positive aspects of my life. I try really hard to stay upbeat and kick the negative blues to the curb. I must admit, however, it has become a lil hard this week. I am in constant pain and I would give anything to not have this pain for even one day. Ok, half a day, alright, a few hours. I Wanted to let everyone know the reason I might not be around for a while. I want to let everyone know that my responsibilities as Monday evening Chat Host and Birthdays will be covered. Hopefully, I will be back better than ever. Please think positive thoughts and send me lots of positive energy. The title of this entry is BELIEVE. That is what I try to do. I believe in miracles and SOAR. I need to stay in that frame of mind. I must keep working on me. I hope the same for all of you, a happy, healthy life. Let's seize the moment and reach heights we never thought we could. Life is right there for us to grasp, sorta like the brass ring. I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season. Lots of love, peace, serenity, HOPE, FAITH, LOVE. Hopefully, talk to you soon. Love n Hugs, Jan :friends: :friends: :forgive_me?:

Well, It's UP. Through Christ ALL things are possible. I'm so excited. Today, Thursday, December 11th, my two dear friends, Debbie and Kathy, came over and helped trim my Christmas Tree. It was a loooooooooooooooooooooooooong morning but I stuck in there and enjoyed each second that was spent on my beautiful Tree. WOW, Wayne surprised me last Monday and when I had called him on the way home from my Specialist's appt. and told him I had to have my feet numbed and get a cort shot, and the pain I was in, he surprised me and he had the wreaths lit in the two front windows and he had the tree up, not decorated, but up. I was so happy and greatful. Today, when I was going through the ornaments, it was like memory lane. I saw Harley's first ornament that I had gotten him and it was dated 2004. It was amazing the memories of that year, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I say the worst as I was in rehab. The best of times as he became my service dog and best friend. It amazed me thinking wow time has gone by. I saw ornaments that I had made with my grandchildren's name. WOW, had one, then two, then three, then four and now we have five.... I need to get one made with Ryleigh's name. Four Grandsons, one Granddaughter. Life goes on. It was so much fun sharing the fun with Debbie and Kathy. They are my Monday Bible Study Partners. We are studying The Purpose Driven Life. It is a very good read. Our neighbors all have their houses decorated and the lights are beautiful. My friend came over this week and helped me "bag" all the gifts. I decided to bag everything, much easier than having to wrap all of it. Heck, the kids could care less. hehe Harley is wondering where his presents are. He is watching very closely on what Mom is doing. I had such thanks to GOD for saving my precious Harley when we almost lost him this year. He was so close to not making it. I am so thankful for all the prayers we rec'd. As I was doing my tree I had some thoughts, BELIEVE, HOPE, FAITH I Believe there is still recovery for me, I keep the HOPE alive and my FAITH has just gotten stronger and stronger. OK: BIG NEWS FLASH I am joining Weight Watchers next Tuesday. WHOOO HOOOOOO I have prayed and prayed abou this and which program would be good for me. My Cardiologist has wanted me to go to Weight Watchers,She feels it is the best program out there. Well, since I live in the country there aren't any near me. I prayed and prayed for one to be available closer to me. I found out this week, there is one that has just started at a Church about 5-7 miles from me. This is what I always call: IT'S A GOD THING...... wow, i called them and the girl was so friendly and helpful and welcomed me with open arms. I told her about me as she asked and she said wow you seem like such an inspiration and I can't wait to meet you. She took my number and I truly feel now I am on the one part of my journey I truly need. So, I will keep everyone posted. I plan on going next Tuesday. I shared with her my theory, if you build it, they will come, well, world, I am going. She said they have about 25-30 people that go. I pray maybe I can have someone in my area that goes and I could get a ride with them. Wayne isn't too happy about having to bring me and go pick me up. I told her I was in a wheelchair and she said no problem. They are very accessible. She said the people usually socialize afterward. So, that is what I need. I am a people person and I miss that. But, heck, Tuesday is going to be a great day. It has been pouring down rain all day and this week. I guess it is better than snow. Well, I am going to make this entry short as I am very tired. My best to all. I need to work on my Christmas Cards the rest of this week. Thank you for stopping by and checking in ..... One day at a time, One second at a time, Life is good. Today's Quote I gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which I must stop and look fear in the face...I say to myself, I

[c :friends: :happydance: :Angel: olor=#000000][/color] I had rec'd a phone call the first part of the week asking if I was going to be home today and I told them yes, I don't get out that often so I was excited to get that phone call. Sharon informed me that I was one of the people that was going to be on the list to have Christmas Caroling. My former Sunday School Class wanted to come and sing for me. I was so excited. They came between 1-3pm. My front yard was filled with the children and their parents. It was priceless and I was so happy. They brought tears to my eyes to see them ... their precious faces and their hearts filled with love for me. They stayed a while and each of them hugged me as their parents did. They had stated they were sad I wasn't able to have them the past two years. I explained to them I haven't been doing really well the past few years. I was greatful I was up to it today. I love children so much and I was truly blessed today. My neighbor came out to listen to them as my other neighbor. So I had a wonderful day with my little visitors. It was as I call them "A God Thing". I have been working on our Christmas Cards. I have decided this will be the last year I do them. I could not believe that stamps are now 49 cents. Wayne went yesterday to pick up the stamps and I had no clue they went from 39 cents to 49 cents. I have decided I will call those people I can via the phone to wish them Happy Holidays, or I will e-mail them. But, I will not send out any more Christmas cards as of next year. It's been a real challenge for me. My writing looks like a little childs since my Brain Stem Stroke. :roflmao: But, the good thing is I can write. right? There was a time I couldn't do anything. I have spent a lot of time just sitting in the Living Room watching my Christmas Tree and reflecting on a lot of things. My new neighbor, Miranda, came over today for a few hours and we had a nice conversation. I really like her. She is the first person that I have met since my Brain Stem Stroke that I am becoming friends with. I am trying to speak to her about all sorts of things outside of "stroke" ... sorta my being somewhat normal? I'm not sure how to express or explain it. I haven't told her my story, she knows I am in a wheelchair and I have walkers, etc. And she sees the ramp out front of our home. She doesn't ask any questions and I haven't actually told her the Reader Digest's Version of my journey. It's kinda hard to figure out what to talk about. But, we always seem to talk a lot about various things. She and her hubby are very nice and we are blessed having them as our new neighbors. Can you believe Christmas is almost here? My Birthday is in eleven more days. It's the 26th. I am excited about that. I have always been excited for my Birthday, I always feel special cuz that is the day God put me on this earth. Well, I need to say good night for now, I need to get to bed, I am really tired tonight. God Bless, Believe In Miracles and SOAR

WOW WHO EVER SAID YOU CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS... I AM A TESTIMONY THAT THIS OLD DOG LEARNED ALL WEEKEND. LET ME SHARE... AS MOST OF YOU KNOW BY NOW, IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, I SHALL EXPLAIN. I AM NOT, I KNOW YOU WILL FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I MUST COME CLEAN WITH MY FAN BASE THAT ARE COMING HERE TO LEARN ABOUT ME. I AM NOT, LET ME SAY IT AGAIN, NOT NOT NOT COMPUTER SAVVY. :nuhuh: BUT, I AM TRYING WITH THE BEST OF THEM TO LEARN SO I CAN BE PART OF THIS BLOG WORLD. GOSH, YOU HAVE THE MY SPACE, FACEBOOK, THIS AND THAT, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JUST THE PHONE AND VISITS? I GUESS I AM NOT IN THE "NOW SCENE" I AM HAPPY WITH MY GENERATION.... THE PEPSI GENERATION. WE HAD GOOD, CLEAN FUN, BACK THERE, SAFE TOYS, SAFETY WAS IN MY LIFE, I COULD LEAVE MY HOME AND FORGOT TO LOCK UP AND NOTHNG EVER HAPPENED. SAME FOR MY CAR. NOW A DAYS, YOU KNOW HOW IT IS GOING. KIDS WERE KIDS, LIFE WAS SIMPLE AND HAPPY. NO STRESS BACK THEN. KIDS WEREN'T ATTACKED BECAUSE SOME BIG BAD GANG WANTED THEIR SHOES, ETC. IF A CHILD SAYS NO, THEN THEY ARE KILLED, STABBED, ETC. I DON'T LIKE THE WAY THINGS ARE HAPPENING THESE DAYS. I GUESS MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. PARENTS ARE FORCED TO WORK AND THEY AREN'T HOME TO BE THERE FOR THEIR CHLDREN, SO THEY GIVE THEM WHATEVER THEY WANT, IPODS, MP3 PLAYERS, COMPUTER, ETC. I NEVER HAD THAT GROWING UP. I HAD A MOM WHO WORKED A REGULAR JOB, REGULAR HOURS, AND AT 5-5:30PM EVERY DAY WE HAD DINNER TOGETHER AT THE TABLE, MINUS MY FATHER, HE WAS AN ALOCHOLIC AND WAS NEVER THERE. LONG STORY WHICH I WILL GET INTO ANOTHER DAY AND TIME. ANYWAY, MY MOM WAS ALWAYS THERE AND MY UNCLE REX. HE WAS MOM'S BROTHER AND HE LIVED WITH US. I ADORED HIM, HE WAS MY DAD GROWING UP, HE WOULD BE IN MY FATHER/DAUGHTER BOWLING TOURANMENTS, WE HAD A BLAST, WE WERE ON THREE LEAGUES TOGETHER. HE WAS SO AWESOME. ANYWAY, BACK TO THE SUBJECT AT HAND. POST STROKE, MY PATIENCE LEVEL IS NOT ALL THAT GREAT. I NEED TO HAVE PATIENCE. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE..... I HAD PICTURES FROM 2003 ON THIS COMPUTER FROM HURRICANE ISABELLE AND I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO FIND THEM TO SHARE WITH OUR NEW NEIGHBORS. I COULD NOT FIND THEM FOR THE LOVE OF PETE. (EDITOR'S NOTE)... WHERE DID THAT PHRASE COME FROM? LOVE OF PETE? WHY NOT LOVE OF JOE, CHRIS, SAM, BILL..... HEHEHE JUST A THOUGHT THE OTHER DAY, OUT OF NOWHERE, I FOUND THEM, IT HAPPENED SO QUICKLY. I WAS SO HAPPY, I LOOKED AT THEM AND RELIVED THAT MOMENT IN TIME. SAW A PICTURE WHERE THE WATER WAS SO DEEP IT CAME UP TO MY WASTE. WOW, IT'S A MIRACLE WE GOT THROUGH THAT CRISIS. IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE. THE DAMAGE THAT THE BAY HAS. CAN'T CONTROL WATER .... THE NATIONAL GUARD WAS THERE, PEOPLE WALKING WITH THEIR PRIZED POSSESSIONS THAT WERE EVACUATING. IT WAS SOMETHING. I HAD CLOSED THE FILE AND WENT ON TO DO OTHER THINGS ON MY COMPUTER. I TOLD WAYNE I HAD FOUND IT AND HE WANTED TO SEE THEM, SO I WENT TO GET THEM, AND ZILCH. I COULDN'T FIND THEM. I KNEW I HAD SEEN THEM, BUT, I COULDD NOT FIND THEM AGAIN. I GOT STRESSED OUT ABOU IT, THINKING, COME ON THOUGHT PROCESS, BRAIN, YOU ARE NOT ON A UNION BREAK. :yadayada: GET WORKING, :uhm: NOTHING, SO I DECIDED TO WALK AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. IT FRUSTRATES ME SO..... AGAIN, I AM TOO HARD ON MYSELF, SO I TRIED TO HAVE PATIENCE. SO THIS MORNING, I DECIDED, OK, CHALLENGE IS ON, I AM GOING TO GO REAL S L O W AND TRY THIS AGAIN. I TOOK MY PATIENCE PILL, MY DON'T BEAT MYSELF UP PILL, AND DECIDED TO GO SLOW, PUT THE RADIO ON WITH MY FAV TUNES, AND JUST TRY IT AGAIN, YEP, YOU GUESSED IT...... AFTER HOURS OF TRYING, I, THROUGH GOD'S HELP, GOT ME THERE. WOW, WHAT A FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, THERE'S NOTHING TO IT BUT TO DO IT. :cleaning: VAVAVAVAVOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM :yikes: :Typing: :cheer: :music_band: :groupwave: so bottom line is why do I want to do this Blog.... there are many reasons why, 1. To get better with my computer skills and memory and share about myself maybe to help others. 2. To learn more about myself, by talking about Jan and getting to relearn about Jan 3. To give back to others, maybe there might be a BrainStem Stroke Survivor out there who is going through things that I might touch on through my Blog and I can be available to them. 4. I am showing myself that YES, I CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG A FEW NEW TRICKS. So, for now, that it is for this moment. I will start talking about the old me pre stroke and then you will meet the me and now. Thanks for listening, I hope you are kind to yourselves and learn the gift of Patience which God gives us. Are we smart enough to accept it? ummmmm I shall ponder on that for today. Love to all, remember to enjoy your view of the day. Life Is GOOD, BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR

Good Morning my friends, It is I, The Blog Queen Getting rather sure of myself, now aren't I? Well, If I don't believe in myself, what good am I? I have decided I have the Blog, it doesn't have me. First Subject at hand I shall write about. Message Boards. These are essential to our recovery. We all have talents, we may have learned from life experiences, I know, God has given all of us gifts, talents, however you want to define them, so be it, But the point I am trying to make is this. People go to those boards for many reasons, maybe just to have someone they can pour their soul to, they are looking for answers, They need to hear recovery and yes, don't give up, whether they be a family members, friend, etc. So, please I challenge you to make a difference, Pay It Forward, People have asked me throughout my life, why do you give so much of yourself to your volunteer work, Because it is my mission, my passion, I could never give it up, it means to much to me. I still have a part of the Old Jan by getting it back. Second: I would like to hear from my readers, viewers, I know you are there, I can feel it, What was the best part of your stroke? What was your defining moment? What is your view point of life since you are home, etc. My defining moment was: Is: How have you accepted your recovery? Is it still working, moving forward or are you at a standstill? My defining moment isI need to get this weight off. I find it so hard as I can't exercise. I know, I exercise with my mouth running a mile a minute. With my Muscular Dystrophy my muscles have atrophed so badly. I am going to ask my Nuero if he would write me a RX for PT. Only problem I will have is finding someone to take me. I think that is my main source of frustration, getting out and about. Would you please keep me in prayer about that. I had a surprise call last evening. A friend from the past was coming down to my area to drop her son, Josh, off for a party and she called to ask if she could stop by. My hair was a mess, I was in my jamies, etc. The old days, I could care less, but my Stroke life It's not a picnic. But, I was happy I was getting company. She spoke of the old days and all the fun we had and all the adventures we did, etc. We must have spoken for hours. I was nodding off here and there but I told her it was a stroke thing. I asked her to just bear with me. The "I'm just listening" didn't pass her. Leslie was still the same, except she gained so much weight. She used to be a skinnie little thing but she wasn't anymore. Then I learned all about her life and the divorce and all that mess. She was shocked I wasn't getting any help from the county or such. She told me you were there when my Mom was dying and you granted her the last wish she had and you went out of your way for our family. She said now it is your turn for people who u gave to to give back to you. I explained to Leslie, that is not why I have done all that I have done in my lifetime that this was my mission, my ministry from GOD. She wouldn't take no for an answer. She said she will be coming back more often. I welcomed that .... it did do me a world of good hearing about the old times. She and my hubby went out for a smoke and she had a whole lot to say after that. I wish I could have been a lil fly on the the wall. Must have been one heck of a conversation, she said he needed a break, etc. all of which I have known for years, and then she said she is contacting her brothers to see if they could give back to me. I know this is a "God thing"as I define them. I know I need help, I know we need help, if Wayne could get a break, I think this house would be happier. You can't be together 24/7. I know that, these are his retirement years. The best moments in his life. They talked about that. Well, gang, I am going to send this because I want to see if it is still working with me and not against me. I shall return. I have a lot to share with everyone. Hugs, Me

:happydance: :forgive_me?: I bring my December 1st Happy Dance to share with you along with flowers for all. Without Friends.... Life would be like a garden without flowers. Thank you for being the friendship seeds that have been planted in my StrokeNet garden. It has been fun getting to know you and walking our journeys together. I am so happy I have finally come to the point in my journey to actually start a Blog. It is hard to share my innermost thoughts with you, however, I feel it is time to try. I want to share my experience, strength and hope with you. I feel God spared my life is the simple fact to lend a helping hand to others and share what he has done for me and that there is HOPE. There is life after a stroke. We have been dealt a hand ..... Do I fold or Do I move forward? The choice is mine. Only I can make the decision. I chose to Move Forward. Here I am, five years later... still making choices with my daily life. When I wake up in the morning, is it going to be "oh, just another day" or is it "what does today have just waiting for me".... Everything is bright and new. I was 100% paralyzed, today I am not paralyzed. I can say yes to the challenges out there or hide under the covers. I want to move forward. Everything is just waiting for me. SO, LOOK OUT WORLD I AM COMING. My Birthday is the day after Christmas and this is a lil Birthday gift to me. I used to do everything for everybody else and I think my well was dry. I have had to learn to put me on the top of the list, if I don't, I'm headed for trouble. I used to feel it was a selfish thing to do, therefore, I didn't do it, but, I am trying. I'm so darn excited I am actually writing this BLOG... how cool is that? Maybe I will learn more about the Post gal and learn to love her more. It is hard being a Stroke Survivor, but, the key word here is SURVIVOR.... I beat the odds, I made it..... I do have worth... just have to get to the land of Acceptance. I have never asked once WHY ME,. why not me? Well, I am excited to see if this made it in the Morning News.. I will be back, probably a lot. It's like a new toy under the Christmas Tree. For now, I am just going to embrace who and what I am. I hope to learn more about the Jan and more about you, the readers. Until next time, have a great day and hug yourself. You deserve it. BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR

Well, here goes nothing, I am "SOLO" on this journey. To be or not to be? That is the answer. hehe :roflmao: I was so upset the beginning of the week, I had sat down and thought Oh wow I'm going to do a post of what was going on in my world and it seemed as thought it was taking me forever n a day.... but I felt, oh,come on Jan, give yourself the permission to try .... you aren't being graded for how your entry looks. typos, etc. I am entering in something new to me, but, heck there is nothing to it but to do it. If I could take on a Brain Stem Stroke, darn this is a piece of cake for me. WRONG Having short term memory loss isn't a good thing to have when typing a blog. In my humble opinion. So, I finished that entry ..... OH NO, I lost it. All those precious moments it took me to get the post done and then it was gone. Where did it go? It was so not the thing I had hoped for. My super duper helped, Donna, I was going to surprise her and say: Donna, ole buddy ole pal, guess what I did. But, it didn't go the way I thought it would go. She has spent so much time supporting me and helping me with this project. I know once I get the hang of it then I will be on a "roll".... So, here I am on Friday trying it once again. I reckon this is my new Therapy ..... sticking with it, I want to work my brain cells and keep them active so I am here doing just that. Donna has posted pics for me so you can get to know me, my thoughts, my family, just sharing my innermost thoughts with you. Once I get the hang of this, I will give you positive posts and how my days are going. Slow start right now. I am going to end this for right now and see if it works, if so, I'lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll be back like Arnold says, if not, I'lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll be throwing thnis computer out the door. hehehe :roflmao: Let's c if it works or not. I'm crossing my fingers, eye, legs, for it to work. BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND SOAR

Pets are Therapeutic Many stroke survivors and families have discovered that pets can play an important role in recovery. The two poems in this section are about dogs. In the first, a dog who provides unconditional love is saluted. In the second is about a dog who is nearing the end of his life. :friends: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paw Prints By Jan Johnson In life you meet lots of different people Some are trustworthy, Some are kind and sincere Some have no hidden agenda While others may have different plans I have found in my life there is one Four legged fellow who is so special from all the rest All he has to do is look into my eyes and there I find it Unconditional love, forever love and devotion The way he tilts his head and moves his ears to listen to every word I share with him He looks into my eyes and can see down to my soul It is times like that I feel additional Harley Paw Prints being put on my heart These Paw Prints will last a lifetime With each one given to me, our bond just gets stronger and stronger He is there when I shed tears He is there when I share laughter with him He is there just because he wants to be He knows I am different from the rest He sees me in my wheelchair and with my walker or cane He knows I must sit in my Lift Chair None of this matters to him, he could care less that I am a Brain Stem Stroke Survivor All he cares about is the love I share with him There is no greater love than that Harley is my blessing from Heaven For you see God sent him to me Backwards is the word DOG This is the message sent to me He was sent from GOD for if I hadn't gone through this journey, there would be no Harley

All Because of you For the past few months, My loving owners have done all they can to help me, they have brought me to Vets to try their magic on me. Out of no where, my eyes were starting to fade. they were cloudy and I found seeing harder everyday. My owners started to realize I wasn't acting the same, I wouldn't respond how I always had. The one constant trait that never changed until a week ago, my tail always wagged, I love my owners with all my heart. I felt sick, I couldn't understand why. Mommy and Daddy did everything the Vets told them to do. I never once had bad care. The day came when they found a wonderful surgeon who was going to fix my eyes. Being close to blind was not fun, but my Mommy and Daddy never left me alone. They made sure I was always well taken care of.