by OuttaHand » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:48 pm
Chris --
First -- remember this: Things are NEVER as bad as they seem!!!
It's going to be hard.
You're going to be depressed.
You're going to think your life is upside-down.
You'll probably think you've lost most of the hobbies and pass-times that bring happiness into your life.
I won't BS you --- your life WILL change. But it is NOT OVER!!!
In fall of '98 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was hitting and kinking my optic nerve. I had surgery to remove the tumor.
There were lots of complications during, and after, the surgery. I had a stroke, I was completely blind for a while, I completely lost my short-term memory, etc.
After things calmed down, and I went through a few months' of therapy to restore use of my left side, I was still left completely blind in one eye and with severe loss of peripheral vision in my left.
I lost my job because I was out of work for so long.
The state of Wisconsin permanently removed my drivers license.
Driving was HUGE to me. I worked on cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. When I went into the hospital, I was in the process of building an ultralight airplane!
Yes -- I lost all that because I could no longer drive. And I thought I'd lost ALL my hobbies and, basically, all the good fun things in my life.
HA!!!!! WRONG!!!!
My life certainly did change! I no longer spend thousands of dollars a year on motorized toys! I got into woodworking more and built a teardrop camper. I got into digital photography more (yes -- I see the irony. A 3/4 blind guy who's into photography!).
My life is NOWHERE NEAR over.
And boy, will your life change, too.
You'll need to adapt to your new physical being. It'll be tough at first. You'll fall. You'll ache. Things will be hard. Just remember-- what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. You WILL make it through this. And you will probably come through it stronger and better than before. You'll have an understanding of what's really important. You'll learn not to take things for granted.
In closing, please remember a few things that may help:
1) This too shall pass. The bad times pass. It doesn't seem like it at first. But they will.
2) It's gonna be hard. Getting used to a new way of living is not easy. But you'll get there.
3) Accept help. You are going to have family members and friends coming at you from every side that want to help. Accept their help. Don't be proud. By helping you, they will feel better about themselves as well.
4) Don't be afraid to ask for help. The people around you may not know how best to help you. Tell them. Ask them to help you if you need it.
5) Never underestimate the power of prayer. I remember laying in bed every morning not wanting to get up and face the day. I prayed a LOT. It will help.
6) I'll repeat: You WILL get through this difficult period!!!
Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. Be tough! Be strong! You will get through this and you WILL be a stronger, better person because of it!!!
Kevon
Teardrop newbie but camping "oldster"
That is very bad/sad news..Wishing her a speedy recovery..Godbless..
