Two years ago today, I was at home watching Ben and on the telephone with Amanda, when I had a stroke. I have no recollection of the event, I had no pain, and in my mind (which was what was damaged) I even had no discernible symptoms. Ben and I were just hanging out as neighbors began banging on the door and a bunch of firemen showed up.

It is funny to me how something I do not remember has changed my life so much. Sure I remember the days in the hospital, the “mystical camel of healing” that Steph and Scott got me as a joke that I still have, and of course the “stroke patient” key chain they got me that I still use, but on which the words have been long worn off. I also remember the blessings of my staff, family, friends and other coaches who really stepped up and were there for us.

What I do not want to focus on are the things I do not remember, the effects on my memory or the things that pop up from time to time. I worked hard to get by things, and often still do. This blog in fact was a big part of my rehab. I had started it a few month prior to the stroke, and it was to be about something completely different…but since I was struggling with reading and writing at the time, it became a daily therapy which I obviously still practice to this day.

The real blessing of this day is that now when I act crazy or forget something I can blame it on a medical excuse…..a blessing indeed! But in truth, I am thankful it actually happened, and I really mean that. It changed me, and though I sometimes still struggle, it has all been for the better.

So happy anniversary to me! I am blessed that we can all be a part of it too. Every day is a gift from God, and I know that today, perhaps more than anyone.

God Bless you!

Tommy+