Life changed pretty dramatically three years ago.
On the evening of September 19, 2017, I had a severe stroke, and quickly lost the use of my right side and my speech. I was taken to the ER in Clearfield, then I was flown to UPMC Altoona, then onto UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh before the night was over. At least, that’s what I was told; it would be several days before I became aware of what was happening!
I like to say that when I came home from HealthSouth Altoona, I had been away 40 days and 40 nights. But, during that time at HealthSouth (now Encompass), Joleen brought my phone to HealthSouth, and the first song in my playlist at the time was “Faithful to the End” …
I will sing of all you’ve done
I’ll remember how far you carried me
From beginning until the end
You are faithful, faithful to the end!
I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness through it all. I’m grateful for Joleen and the kids, as well as family, friends, and prayer warriors. I’m also grateful, of course, for all of the healthcare professionals—EMTs, doctors, nurses, and therapists.
And, I’m grateful I get to continue seeing and experiencing God’s faithfulness … until the end!