Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba
I am overwhelmed with gratitude, and thankful for the hundreds of friends, colleagues, and family members (around the world) who have held me in their thoughts and prayers during my recent health ordeal. I am also grateful beyond words to the specialists, doctors, nurses(!), nursing assistants, technicians, orderlies, physiotherapists and other vital hospital personnel who have helped me through one of the greatest trials of my life. It goes without saying that I am also incredibly thankful to live in Canada, where citizens are provided with universal healthcare!
I have happily returned with Evelin to her home, after spending the past seven weeks in four different hospitals (Selkirk, HSC in Winnipeg, Arborg, and then Gimli). I am weak, but recovering. Evelin stayed by my side throughout the 51 days in hospitals, sleeping watchfully along side me every night — what a love! I am now learning to walk again, and with the help of canes, am beginning to climb stairs as well.
What exactly transpired at Easter is still somewhat unclear (to the experts, as well as to me). What we do know is that I had a severe case of sepsis, which triggered a serious cardiac event and then an explosive series of strokes. I was heavily medicated with opiates for the first month, while doctors struggled to stabilize me and the various bodily functions that had been impacted. I’m very fortunate that, as MRIs are showing, the brain damage I suffered was only on the right side — not affecting my ability to remember, to speak, etc.
My focus over the next months (perhaps years) will be to heal, quietly and steadily, and regain whatever semblance of “normal” is available to me.
Again, a huge “Thank You!” for the love, prayers, encouragement and “light” that so many sent to me.
