How My Sister Lives Independently After a Stroke
With no caregiving services and no nursing home, she is enjoying life.
When my sister emerged from the doctor’s office, she was beaming. Her long hair floated around her shoulders, and she smiled widely. Maneuvering her wheelchair with expertise, she rolled towards me.
The doctor believed she would continue to gain strength and function, which is why she was cheerful when she exited his office. A previous neurologist had said she would never get any better.
We swung by a restaurant to celebrate, and then I drove us 45 minutes back to her house.
Before and after her stroke
Before her stroke, my sister taught exercise and wellness classes to seniors. As the winner of the Ms. Senior pageant in her state, she went on to compete in the national pageant. After she stopped competing, she directed and managed local pageants. A lifelong dancer, she won a talent competition and danced briefly with a dance troupe.
Now, because of stroke-induced paralysis, she’s had to give up the business she started, the pageants she used to direct, and the dancing. She doesn’t leave the house unless someone else drives, but there aren’t many people available and willing to do that.
