Hey Darling Ones, Since the stroke I spend a lot of time thinking about my hands. I also spend a lot of time thinking about Marge Piercy’s poem The Friend. I’ve carried this poem inside of me since I read it in my Women’s Lit class during the summer of 1991. That’s some staying power. Incidentally, I’ve also been singing that one Jewel song. You know, the one they play on “Dawson’s Creek” after Jen dies. I cannot blame this…
Dear Darling Ones, Since the stroke is on my mind every second of every day, I seek out things that make me forget it for even a moment. Not forget. That’s not a thing that will happen. I’m seeking small segments of time where my brain is distracted enough that it’s not constantly thinking “Wow it’s weird in here. The right side of your face is still numb. Is this how you’re gonna feel forever? Is the floppy scoop still…
Dear Darling Ones, There have been a few curious side effects of having a stroke. For instance, I no longer need to have coffee every day. I kicked a 20-year caffeine habit on accident. In the beginning making coffee, preparing a cup, and transporting it to the living room was just too much work. This was in the need-a-nap after breakfast days. I kept waiting with dread for the bonkers, all-day unkillable no-caffeine headaches. They never came. (Full transparency, I’ve…
Hi Darling Ones, Today is my birthday! I’m 51. Today also marks three months since the stroke that upended my life. Not to be a total downer, but I’m glad I’m done being 50. It was not a banner year for me. I had a stroke.
Dear Darling Ones, Before we begin, let’s have a moment of silence for Padma Lakshmi leaving “Top Chef.” My very favorite show will not be the same without her. Do you remember the woman who hosted the first season? She was awful. In other news, Yesterday I graduated from Occupational Therapy. Today I officially graduated from at-home Physical Therapy. If this were anything like my high school graduation I’d be spending all night at The Mermaid dancing to Bel Biv…
Hi Darling Ones, For the official record, the brain weasels were right. I have both macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. THIS NEXT PART IS NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH PLEASE SKIP Now I have to go to the eye specialist every four weeks and get medicine injected into my right eye. I am not exaggerating at all. It’s rough. I had it done last week and it took me two days to recover. THIS PART IS A LITTLE SAFER I did…