Today I am happier than a bird with a french fry.....My 43 year old sister ALIVE after 2 strokes 3 weeks ago.
Today I applaud my little sister.
It is only by the grace of God that she is alive...
2 sudden strokes.
How is she doing you ask? She is tougher than ever...
Because THAT'S HOW SHE ROLLS.
See her story below and read about stroke signs you may not know about.
But first I have a few things to declare on the mountain top. There is a sort of chaos that comes after having a stroke, that is...if you're human. Revitalizing yourself, reorganizing yourself, learning what even works and what doesn't work physically, mentally, emotionally and then there's evaluating your very own life...you know things like that. It only makes sense if you think about it. However I'm going to go out on a limb and propose that only those who have gone through a such life threatening event would truly get it. But as the journey continues my sister maintains a joyous attitude despite the pain. As the journey continues she keeps on going despite the fear. As the journey continues she continues to take life by the bahookas like she always has but with even more zeal and compassion (if that was even more possible).
The journey that now involves the Holy Spirit guiding her.
I have always loved her zest for life despite the trials.
But now I am deeply moved as I see God doing super sized things in her life.
Peruse her new company: Heart, Mind and Soul Life Coach, LLC https://www.facebook.com/heartmindandsoullifecoach/info |
Christina's story on Facebook:
Here are my symptoms that I should of recognized but did not because I was young, fit and naive:
Christina Whitten Woollen
August 4 ·
OK, so I am bored at the hospital after being here 4 nights. Home tomorrow. Yay! (This a long one with a purpose)
After being in prayer and thought, I have decided to be more open and share this on FB. It is my personal encounter, but what if it was yours?! I would want to know. I care. I have kids. I have a life. So, here it goes:
I am 43, exercise 6 days a week, run triathlons, eat a healthy diet, laugh a lot, laugh harder with good friends and wine, cry some, great career as a life coach...no bad cholesterol, no diabetes, 2 beautiful kids and a great Christian life and family.
So how is it that I am in the hospital for having a stroke this past Saturday? Yes, you heard me right...a stroke. I am still shocked.
After the splitting migraine and a fun ride by ambulance to the hospital, I promise I feel normal with all body functions intact and normally functioning. Ok, I was always a bit slow...however, I am still the fun loving, goofy Christina.
I got really lucky. REALLY LUCKY! The blood clot did not hit a major part of my brain.
Here is what I want you to know young friends and old! The myth that strokes are for old people that only end up paralyzed or unable to speak accurately is not the truth. It's hard to think about, but a stroke could happen to you!
Here are my symptoms that I should of recognized but did not because I was young, fit and naive:
1. When you suddenly and drastically change your behavior from carefree talking to not understanding where you are...it may be a stroke...call 911.
2. You can't make sense of your words and can't form sentences...it may be a stroke...call 911.
3. If you miss putting that fat chocolate cake in your mouth because your spacial concept is messed up...it may be a stroke...call 911.
4. Your children tell you you are acting strange and they are worried about you...it may be a stroke...call 911!!!
I did not listen to any of these symptoms and thought it was the migraine of the century.
I was at Panera Southpark enjoying lunch while my children wisely knew something was really wrong with me and called for help. They called 911 and saved my life. They are my heroes.
Please don't miss the signs like I did. I was lucky! All is well this time, thank God!
After being in prayer and thought, I have decided to be more open and share this on FB. It is my personal encounter, but what if it was yours?! I would want to know. I care. I have kids. I have a life. So, here it goes:
I am 43, exercise 6 days a week, run triathlons, eat a healthy diet, laugh a lot, laugh harder with good friends and wine, cry some, great career as a life coach...no bad cholesterol, no diabetes, 2 beautiful kids and a great Christian life and family.
So how is it that I am in the hospital for having a stroke this past Saturday? Yes, you heard me right...a stroke. I am still shocked.
After the splitting migraine and a fun ride by ambulance to the hospital, I promise I feel normal with all body functions intact and normally functioning. Ok, I was always a bit slow...however, I am still the fun loving, goofy Christina.
I got really lucky. REALLY LUCKY! The blood clot did not hit a major part of my brain.
Here is what I want you to know young friends and old! The myth that strokes are for old people that only end up paralyzed or unable to speak accurately is not the truth. It's hard to think about, but a stroke could happen to you!
Here are my symptoms that I should of recognized but did not because I was young, fit and naive:
1. When you suddenly and drastically change your behavior from carefree talking to not understanding where you are...it may be a stroke...call 911.
2. You can't make sense of your words and can't form sentences...it may be a stroke...call 911.
3. If you miss putting that fat chocolate cake in your mouth because your spacial concept is messed up...it may be a stroke...call 911.
4. Your children tell you you are acting strange and they are worried about you...it may be a stroke...call 911!!!
I did not listen to any of these symptoms and thought it was the migraine of the century.
I was at Panera Southpark enjoying lunch while my children wisely knew something was really wrong with me and called for help. They called 911 and saved my life. They are my heroes.
Please don't miss the signs like I did. I was lucky! All is well this time, thank God!
Christina, I'm proud of you! Your crazy is showing! DON'T tuck it in!!
Comments