May 12, 1934 – September 20, 2001
Happy birthday Daddy!
People who have read my blog for awhile know that I have a kidney disease that I inherited from my Daddy. Many people assume that is what caused his death, but it is not. Daddy had a massive stroke in 1997. His doctor’s didn’t think he was going to make it. My stubborn Daddy proved the doctors wrong. He lived for almost four years after having the stroke. Life was different after he had a stroke. He required a lot of assistance in daily living. His last year was especially rough as I watched him grow more dependent. I do not even for a second regret my decision to take care of Daddy. I have memories of his last few years that my sisters do not. I became even closer to him during that time.
It is very fitting that Daddy’s birthday is in the middle of Stroke Awareness Month. Most strokes are not the massive type that Daddy had. Many people have a stroke and aren’t really sure what is happening to them because it is a more mild stroke. Treatment for strokes is most effective when given shortly following the attack. Vital brain function can be saved if treatment is administered soon enough and is successful. I will be blogging a few times this month about stroke awareness. It is important for everyone to know the warning signs.
Happy birthday Daddy! As always I am the first to send the wishes…..
