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Life after a stroke After laying my cane aside I began to walk by my self by stepping off on my left foot and pulling my right foot forward, placing my body weight on my left side. I noticed I could walk better if I stopped and thought about my step before taking it. Six months after the stroke, I told my wife, let's go to Michigan, she said, are you sure? That is nearly 500 miles. I said, I think we can and if I get tired we can stop and rest. We made our trip well and have been several places since, "a cruise control helps a lot Being a School Teacher I was ask by a friend if I would substitute teach for the school. At first I said no I'm not able to. Without any battle or law suite I was given my Social Security and other disability income, giving me a good income to live on. This I was thankful for but I had so many other things I still wanted to do. I told my Social Security friends thanks but no thanks, I'm not ready to quit yet. They informed me that if I decided to return to work that I could go on a trial work period for nine months and still draw my retirement while I was working. The day come when I was offered a full time teaching position as a shop teacher. I told my wife I was going to try it and see how things would go. Each day I begin the day in prayer and Bible study. I found I was doing very well. For the next three years I taught my class and served as pastor of the church at Sunshine. My church family was very helpful and understanding and very supportive of me during that time. Yes there is still numbness on my right side, leg and arm. Sometime I let pity creep in for a moment or so but I say, My strength is in the Lord and with his help and strength I will make another day. Seven years after the stroke August 15, 1996 I had a dream of becoming a Director of Missions come true. I was honored to become the Director of Missions of the Association I had served in as pastor for 28 years. You say, Ernest why do you do these things? Take your retirement and enjoy your life. I am enjoying my life, the things I love most is working with people and helping someone along the way. This booklet has been hard for me to write, but if you have been helped by it the pain and tears was worth it. If you have had a stroke lately, don't give up, there is life after a stroke for I know, I have been there. Blessings on you Ernest |