Dear Blog:

I’ve made enough lemonade already.

I try to keep you light and positive. Many family and friends are asking privately how Al is really doing. So I thought I would pony up with the facts.

Al suffered a significant stroke. He has been very depressed but I do see this lifting, which is good. He is motivated in his therapies but he tires extremely fast. He is having much more movement in his right leg. He is standing and taking steps. They are small and labored but he forges on. I believe he will walk. I even believe next June he will walk his beautiful daughter down the isle for her wedding.

He has large gaps in his memory. An example is he does not remember us being in the Florida Keys, but he remembers us having a boat which he referred to yesterday as Fresh Knit. He remembers some of the friends we made, Pete , Pokey, Bob and Jane. He sometimes refers to Bridget as Mitzi who was his child hood daschund. He remembers his British existence. His Psychologist Dr. Nolte says this is normal as these are the older more engrained memories.

He is having continued difficulties with some bladder issues which I am going to push for some further investigations.

How am I doing? Well I’m no stranger to stroke recovery or medical challenges with a spouse. Having lost a terminally ill husband while in my own recovery 6 ½ years ago I am trying to get my head around what my life with Al will look like in the coming weeks, months and years. I am thankful I am the product of parents who lived during tough times and I have learned excellent coping skills. Knitting has been a gift and is meditative and soothing to my soul. I also have excellent family and friend support.

You may hear from me less frequently as Bridget and I learn to navigate this new life. And if you are chatting to the universe, please ask it to hold off on any more lemons coming my way. I don’t have time or energy to set up a lemonade stand.

Most sincerely and with affection.

Jennifer ox