Today is World Stroke Day and sharing information about it is something that is important to me and my family. My husband had a stroke last May and our family has been forever changed because of it. We were on vacation when it happened. He had always been a pretty healthy person – doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink, etc., so it came as quite a surprise to us when it happened. He had a hemorrhagic stroke, losing all feeling on one side of his body, and affecting his speech. Through almost a year of intensive physical, speech, and occupational therapy, he is doing a lot better. However, he still has weakness in one of his legs, so he now walks using a cane. We, as a family, have grown closer because of the experience and have learned how to pitch in to do the physical things that he may not be able to do right now. I’ve always appreciated my husband and I appreciated him even more when I ended up having to do the snow blowing and shoveling during our terrible winter last year. Our kids have had to make adjustments on what they knew as our life before the stroke. I am very grateful that my husband has kept a positive attitude and has willed himself to do the things needed to continue his recovery process. I am also grateful that our kids have been strong, patient, and loving throughout everything they’ve experienced in their young lives. We also appreciate the support we have received from family, friends, and strangers, that made our lives easier as we navigated through the changes in our lives. We know that this is a long-term recovery process and are ready for the journey ahead.

Here’s what my husband looked like the day after his stroke and what he looks like today. Someday I’ll have time to sit down and write a post about the time in between and what it took for him to get from point A to point B.

Whenever we have a chance to spread the word about Stroke Awareness, we do, because we know that time is crucial to someone that has a stroke. Make sure you know these signs of a stroke (FAST):
– Face droops.
– Arm drifts.
– Speech slurs.
– Time is critical. Make sure to call 9-1-1 immediately when you see these signs.

It’s also important for you to know about stroke’s devastating impact and how to reduce your risk. Watch these two videos from the National STROKE Association for more information:

Have you been affected by stroke? We’d love to hear your story.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.