This time of year can be especially difficult when so many of us need a helping hand. For me, a helping hand would be an extra working hand (an unparalyzed arm)!

For many of us, simply shopping, carrying the gifts back to the car and then wrapping them for the family is a huge challenge. As I write this, my gifts still aren't wrapped! I don't do the drawstring gift bag, because Rachael will get into not just her gift but everyone else’s and then tell everyone what the gifts are!

Wrapping a gift in the regular way is a real challenge though, that’s why I use wrapping gifts in my presentations as an audience interactive piece. It is so funny watching “normal” folks attempting to take scotch tape off a roll and tie a bow with one hand (those pre-made bows sure come in handy)!
The holidays are a great time to do something special for someone else. Sometimes the best good we can do, is simply connect with family and friends to let them know they are remembered and important.
One person in particular who needs a little holiday cheer is Angela, whom I wrote about a few months ago.

Angela is currently in rehab at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. She is communicating better. She has more expression on her face. She is getting faster on the alphabet board and now that they have taken her trachea tube out, she is in the first stages of beginning to speak again.

Several days ago, on her 32nd birthday, her friend, Rachelle, dialed me up and held the phone to Angela’s ear. She still has difficulty using her lips to form words, but she's starting to speak and do many other things she was told she would never be able to do!
 

Angela’s gaining overall muscle strength and coordination. She can write a little even though it’s somewhat childlike but she is re-learning! “She has always has been on top of things mentally but it is even better now. She seems much more like her old self,” Rachelle said.
 

A few weeks ago, she stood at the standing table for over 25 minutes. She had great balance and is learning to stand from a sitting position. While sitting, she can lift her legs to where they are straight and can lift her rear end off the seat while sitting. She has good arm, neck, and shoulder movement. And this past week she has rolled from her back to her side! All of us know how simple this sounds yet the focus it takes to accomplish.
 

Recently, Angela tried out a 'new pearl pink' automatic wheel chair and enjoys the new-found freedom it brings! (The real one she is receiving isn't as pretty)
 

She has such determination for a while, and then she becomes scared to death by what her future may be according to certain caregivers. At times, she is angry with God. (I don't blame her one bit, I am sure God doesn't either.) Then she is appreciative of His blessings. Angela is having a difficult time with her faith.
 

In other words, she is normal!
 

The relationship with her husband has grown in intensity and beauty.
 

Thank you for caring about Angela. She has joined the Stroke network and appreciates your love and support.
 

Finally to all of you, my dear friends in the Stroke family network, I wish you and yours a very happy New Year. Thank you for blessing my life with purpose and possibility.

                                                 

Email Kate at kadamson@strokenetwork.org.
Visit Kate’s website.