ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Robert - Post Stroke - May 2012

My dears, Paul may not be a perfect photographer, considering what he had to work with, the snap turned out rather well.

If MOI keeps cake hole shut, the droop of the lip on the lower side is not noticeable.  Not sure if one can see when talking but it is blatant if the old geezer laughs or tries to open wide.  That might be a good thing in the future...

"THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US, MAKES US STRONGER"

Of late, the old geezer has given much thought to the above quote and come to basic truths, in light of recent events.

No doubt, the past month will not be looked back on with undiluted pleasure.  It has been one hell of a ride.

In hospital and later at home, MOI has had much time to reflect and it has not been a trip round the pity pole.  Oddly enough, the old geezer believes there is much to be thankful for.  Allow MOI to share with you.

Twice in past year when things turned to custard on, the old geezer has been most fortunate to have someone who helped through the bad patch.  In Hilo, there was Scott, who helped get though the bad fall and was there when me right ear exploded.  Here, in Reno, there has been Paul.  Paul stayed with in ER, and has helped MOI recover in so many ways.  Am lucky to have my very own 'Nurse Ratchett'.  Paul will not let MOI drag leg, forget to take medicines and is constantly reminding to eat something.  Neither of there individuals had to do anything for.  They did or do because they care about the old geezer.

Which brings up the subject of being liked.  MOI knows deep down that there are folks who care if the old geezer is alive.  Bloody hell, when the old geezer left Hilo in a flash, it was Scott who would not allow the departure to go unnoticed and wanted to make sure that all was well.  Times past, it was convenient for MOI to feel that it matter naught if he lived or died.  Total rubbish that was and now full well that that not be the case.  There is no worry that MOI is going to 'deplete the population by one' by own hand, MOI is going to stay until check out time.

It might well be that the good Lord is telling the old geezer something.  Like slow down, you will not be taken any time soon.  Am learning that lame leg is not going to prevent the old geezer from living, just going to make it harder to get round.  Same with the hearing.

The silver lining,and there is always a silver lining, is the plus received.  The old geezer now takes the time to read the faces of folks met.  Get to know them better than a quick glance.  The loss of weight will no doubt help deal with leg and other problems, making the coming years easier to deal with.  Have not quite worked out what is gained with the drooping lip, but it will no doubt come.

MOI has no clue how long life will be.  Rather think that there is much left.  John was taken from 25 years ago and MOI is still here, Paul died in 2010, and if one makes it 25 years past that death, it adds up to a rather long life.  Tragic loss in the past has make MOI realize that life goes on.  The pain of that loss is less as the years roll by, but one does get on in life.  One of God's tests?  Telling us that we are stronger than we believed?

When the old geezer was in ER, the priest came and gave the Sacrament of the Sick, confession was made and the old geezer was at peace.  Truly.  MOI could not remember last time he had been evil to anyone.  Truth be told, confession was easy as there was not much to tell.  There be many who will never understand my being a Catholic.  It works for MOI, that is all that matters.

The lovely gentlemen in the orchestra are ready to play for you...

Truth be told, the old geezer is clueless where the path of life is leading MOI.  Rather think that there are adventures yet to be had.  Am quite sure that there be many more interesting folks to meet.  MOI thought he had it all figured out as to landing spot after ear surgery.  Now it has to be re-thought.  One hopes that the leg and arm will improve, am told that there is strong possibility of that.  The lasting effects of the stroke could be ever so slight.  What is known is that MOI will slow down and makes sure that each and every moment of life is enjoyed to the fullest.  There is no thought given to passing, that ill come when it is time, not sooner.

There you have it, my thoughts on what has happened and what might come to pass.  Truly, the old geezer is quite comfy and at peace.  How many can say that???