Family Support is Crucial to Stroke Recovery
A crisis such as a stroke or other long term illness can either make or break a family. I'm happy to say that our family has become stronger. Our four daughters have grown much closer to their dad, and to each other, as a result of his stroke. Our struggle is not over yet, but knowing that we have family support is reassuring, because it's crucial for his recovery.
When my husband, Steve, had his stroke in February 2008, our family was there right from the get-go. They were at the emergency room at midnight, and throughout his hospitalization, nursing home stay, and his ongoing recovery at home. Our children even neglected some of their own responsibilities to be with their dad during those dark days when he hung between life and death.
Many friends, relatives and acquaintances came to visit him at the hospital and while he was in the nursing home, and they all offered their support. All of these people are like our extended family.
Even though Steve is now recovering at home, he still cannot function like he did before. His complete left side is very weak and he requires a wheelchair to get around. So he cannot take care of things around the house like he did before. But our sons-in-law and others have really stepped up to the plate to help.
Snow removal is a great need in Wisconsin, especially when you have a 300 foot driveway. One son-in-law faithfully plows our driveway every time it snows without me even asking. He also made computer repairs, cut trees, installed a new mailbox and faucets, and does so many other things too numerous to mention. Another son-in-law hung new light fixtures, mirrors and curtain rods, and did odds and ends for me, too. (Redecorating was therapeutic for me.)
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