Strokes are mean

I love my family. This past year and a half my family members has been called several names such as: Wonder Women, Superman, Supergirl, etc. But, the name I've loved the most is the "Super Smiths". I like this name the best because it shows that everything we accomplished we've done together. It was a group effort. We could not have survived without the help of each other. We are a team. We need each other. Each of us has taken turns being the positive leader and lifting each other up.

We have also had a "Super" support team. There were many involved in us getting this far. We are so thankful for all the family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who have contributed to our success.

(Super Smiths pictures taken by Vanessa Welch Phototgraphy)

I thought I would share a little information and update on my stroke status. My stroke and PRES syndrome were on the left side, which means it affected my right side of my body.

I had paralysis of the right side of my body and had to learn to walk again. It was as if my body did not acknowledge that I had a right side to my body. I only used my left side to eat, color, type on the computer, etc. The right side of my body is still numb and I have little feeling in it. The right side of my vision was gone. It took several months for it to come back.

I still have difficulty with my speech. At times I struggle verbally communicating. I get stuck on my thoughts or words and can't express what I am trying to say. I can't remember words. The hardest part is when I'm talking and then my thoughts are completely gone mid-sentence. I'm unable to recall what I was saying and unable to pick up where I left off. Sometimes with help I can recall the thought and continue what I was trying to say.

I am more cautious than I was in the past. I'm hesitant to do things or try new activities and tasks. I am scared to do things I could easily do before may stroke.

I have lost some memories. Most of the memories are from the months before and after my transplant. I struggle with short-term memory. I have made improvement in this area with help from speech and occupational therapy. I've learned I have to write everything down or it will be forgotten within a minute.

I must say strokes are mean. I will be recovering for the rest of my life from my stroke. Recovery is slow and hard to see progress.

When others comment on how much I've been through I always tell them I went through this so I could learn and grow where I needed to and so I could help others. There were times when it was hard not to compare my trials to others. I think of how we are only given what we can handle. Even when we think we can't handle it. I feel the quote below helps me put things into perspective.

I have learned that my family and I are strong. Strokes are wicked sneaky things. I feel I struggle the most because of my stroke.

About 6 months before my transplant and stroke, my father-in-law had a stroke on his right side. He may not know this, but he has been an example to me. It is hard to keep going after a stroke. My father-in-law and mother-in-law have been a blessing and example to me. They have great strength. I am proud of all the work and healing my father-in-law is doing. I am thankful for my mother-in-law for taking great care of my father-in-law. It is also nice to have someone who understands the difficulties that come with a stroke.

I have never met a man whose love runs so deep and will do whatever it takes to care for his family. I am beyond blessed to have a loving husband who moves mountains when necessary. When given impossible tasks he conquers them. In order for us to come home from Stanford we were given a list of requirements that needed to be met before we could leave. The doctors said it would take at least a couple weeks. Levi made it happen in one week.

This young lady is so strong. She has been brave and understanding through the last year and a half. She is going to do great things in her life.

I don't like to share too much about Zoe because this is her life and story as well. I want her to have the freedom to share what she is comfortable sharing when the time is right.

On a quick side note a few weeks ago I ended up in the ER with chest pains and shortness of breath. After ruling out heart attack I was sent home and followed up with my transplant teams. It's possible the chest pains were caused by dehydration. To be safe and hopefully find some answers I am stylishly wearing a heart monitor for a month. I'll be honest I'm not a fan of being attached to wires all the time.

I have exciting news. I get to drive again. Yay! I have been so blessed with family, ministering sisters, friends who have driven me many places. I am so thankful for all of their help.

I have a handle on my depression and anxiety right now. Things are looking up and I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone so I can continue to recover and make progress. I am thankful for my experiences because they help me realize what I am capable of and help me see and enjoy my blessings.

I am so thankful for my life. I still have a lot to do and accomplish on this earth. There is still a lot of fun and enjoyment to obtain in this life as well.