I know I’m one of the most blessed person in the world.  I just had a stroke…. a CVA…. I had a brain attack.

And I lived to tell the story.

I got up for work with the regular normal routine.  I was up at 0430 hours and knew I needed coffee.  Something didn’t see just right…. I couldn’t have great focus while I was trying to read the news… I couldn’t see things clearly…..I probably just needed more caffeine.  I had the normal toast and coffee.  I showered and dressed to get to briefing.

I made a little chit-chat with the other patrol members as I was getting dressed for work.  Something wasn’t right. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

I attended briefing and gave the correct amount of attention to the leader of briefing.  I heard a senior Sergeant drone on about the tax scams and fraud modus operandi and the local thieves perpetrating the criminality d’jour.  I heard all the words. I knew he was speaking English. But, however, something wasn’t right.  I was confused.

I heard another patrol officer telling a military story with passion and details that should have mean something to me (as a veteran)…. but there was no context that mean something to me. I was confused.

Fortunately my Sergeant noted something wasn’t right with me.   I told him “I’m OK I’m gonna just sat down for a minute”.  He’s a trained observer… fortunately. And he act.

Sarge directed a patrol partner to shepherded me into the police vehicle and whisk me to the emergency department.  And then the medicos took over.

There was a mish-mash of CT scans, MRI, X-Rays, lab reports…. And a few days in the hospital stay.  And the diagnosis was certain.  I had a stroke.  It was not a “mini” stroke.  It was a full-blown stroke.  I was blessed, because my stroke was a mild stroke.

My language is a little mixed up. My speech is slightly affected. My vision came back to normal.  But I can walk and think and take care of myself.  I was blessed.  The stroke started at about 4:30am and I was in the emergency room at about 7:20am.  I was blessed.

Blessed is a point of view.  Some of my friends think it’s wrong to say I had a stroke and to think I’m blessed. But I think being blessed is the right emotion.  I am so grateful that my damage was not permanent damage.  A few months of therapy– some miracle medicine– and back to my life.  Blessed.

I would not give myself  a stroke if it my choice…. But sometime the trajectory of life changes thing…. And the universe has different plans…. And I know I’m not in charge.   So I choose feeling blessed and a great sense of gratefulness…. So I’m waiting the next chapter…

Of course, you mileage may vary.

Dr Jay