Capter 1

Let me start by saying this is not a story to gain sympathy, or for praise for what I overcame and survived.

This store is a lesson on how life can change in a New York minute. A story on not taking things for granted.

Let me also say that A stroke isn’t the Mardie gra people make it out to be. Yes, that was a joke, for a sense of humor is a great way of dealing with my life after my stroke.

Now, let’s get started by talking about the stroke. The thing about a stroke is there are no warning signs.

So, one evening me and my girlfriend were at home watching tv. She fell asleep in her chair. I decided to go lay on the couch. No sooner did I lay down when it felt like the world was spinning, kind of like how it feels when you lie down when you’re buzzed, but more intense.

When I sat up the spinning stopped, so I laid down again. And again the world felt like it was spinning.
This time I decided to get up and go into the bedroom which was located down a hall in the back of the house. But as I started to head down the hall I bumped into a wall. I stopped and then started walking again. And again I bumped into a wall.

Then as I stood there looking around Everything look so distorted. It was like watching three images spinning around.

So I decided to turn around and slowly walk to wards the chair where my girfriend was sleeping. I took it one step at a time as I

hold my hand out so I didn’t bump not the other chair that was in the room.

Once I made it to the chair I shook my girlfriend and said, “Honey, Youneed to take me to the hospital.”

“She replied in a groggy tone. “Why?” I said. “Something isn’t right.”

She got up, told the kids where we were going and guided my out of the door and to her car. She had to help me get in.

As few were driving towards the hospital we were talking . Even though wet were sitting next to ne another I could barley hear her. It was like I had my fingers in my ears. But I could here her say.”You’re having a stroke because you’re slurring your words.”

And I literally had tunnel vision, Because I couldn’t see out or the sides of either eye.

Once new arrived at the hospital my girlfriend helped me out of the car and guided me into the emergency room door. once we entered I heard her yell. “He’s having a stroke.”

“They must of asked her how she knew because then she yelled. “He’s slurring his words.”

By know I could see much of anything. It was like blurry grey with shades moving about.

Then I felt myself falling to the floor and someone picking me up.