Never Give Up

My first post of 2013! I have waited and waited patiently since January 1 for the inspiration for my first post of this year. Today, I found it (or it found me).

All things truly are possible!! And watching Mr. Putra share his story gives me courage to share mine (especially as testimony that I have personal experience with miracles). 

In 2007, I suffered a mild stroke and lost the use of my entire right side. The diagnosis by the ER doctors completely confounded me and them as I wasn't anywhere near "stroke age." As my doctors discussed treatment options with me, they tried to be encouraging, but were also very careful to not get my hopes up by letting me know that I might not regain full use of my right side. Being very independent, almost defiantly so, this wasn't something I was willing to accept. (It was, however, a wake up call to my learning to take better care of myself.) Although my doctors and physical therapist were anticipating that I would spend at least 16 weeks in rehab, I pretty much back to normal after only 9 weeks of rehab.

I remember those first few weeks were tough. It seemed I couldn't do any of the things I was being asked. I remember breaking down in heaving sobs one night while at home because I couldn't open a jar of peanut butter (did I mention, I'm right-handed.) Still, I was determined. And my experience in rehab actually turned out to be one of the best things for me. Prior to the stroke, I had been "threatening" to return to the gym and start a regular exercise program. I even made a few half-hearted attempts, but just wasn't feeling up to the task. Forced to work out twice a week with a physical therapist to regain the use of my right side and my independence, I discovered that I'm far more capable than I realized of accomplishing anything by sheer force of will and faith. And within two months of completing rehab, I did join a gym. 

Two years later and 100 pounds lighter (that's another story entirely as I dropped 80 of those pounds in 8 months), I danced in my first Freestyles ballroom competition and a few months after that, my first Showcase (which earned me a new nickname—"Rumba eyes"). It felt like a dream come true and my instructor had no idea the gift he'd given me. I was a living, walking, dancing miracle. Nearly six years later, I show no signs of ever having had a stroke (even my last CT scan showed no evidence of scarring), have now been dancing for about four years, and still look pretty fierce (just ask my friends!).

Whatever your hopes, whatever your dreams—no matter what anyone has told you, no matter what you have told yourself.... NEVER GIVE UP! 

Life is beautiful.