First, let me apologize for being absent with the blog posts for a while. Please don't think that I've been idle. Truth is, I've been busier than ever trying to build what I've started with GodSaidWALK. Lots of folks are asking for content and talking to me about speaking engagements. But, more about that later. Sooo.. what's been happening? Lots of stuff! I/GodSaidWALK have moved into a new home in Newport News, Virginia. While this may seem like no big deal to most of you, this is huge for me! You see, for those recovering from a stroke, Living independently is the ultimate goal. I say ultimate goal, but if truth be told, this is just the beginning. Living independently means doing everything for yourself without any assistance whatsoever. That's the tough part. A lot of stroke patients spend a great deal of time in a rehab learning to walk, to wash them selves, to do average daily tasks. This may sound trivial to most, But the truth is that this is the biggest challenge of all! While in rehab, we take for granted these things because everything is done for us. Our meals are cooked for us, our laundry is done for us, and our room is cleaned for us. Living independently means doing all of this for yourself.
Seems pretty easy doesn't it? Well, it isn't. This was a long time coming and requires focus, determination, and drive. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm no more special than anyone else. This takes work. But I'm here to tell you, that its possible. All I've been focused on for the last three years is getting back to normal. But, normal means bills, and normal responsibility that was part of your life before your stroke. I've been able to finally begin hosting events to thank everyone that has stuck by me for the last three years plus and be able to have my children come visit me in my own place. I thank God every day for these blessings and my hope is to move further along in getting back to work full-time and to provide for my family.
The thing that nobody tells you when you're going through this is that you will have to rely on Social Security disability to begin to rebuild your life. That in itself, has its own pitfalls. You see, when collecting disability income, you are only allowed to make a certain amount of money on top of your disability income and this amount of money is criminally low. You will have to learn to live by a tight budget and resign yourself to the fact that this is your new normal. I've been lucky enough to have advisors guide me along the way and the home that I'm in was recommended by them. Yes, it seems very nice. But the priority that my advisors had when recommending this was my safety. Everything is on one level, all laundry is on one level and I have a walk in shower. Apartments like this generally don't come cheap. This apartment is the least expensive of any in my area with these features and I did a lot of research. So, I've had to change a lot in regards to lifestyle, spending habits, and convenience. As for lifestyle, there is no eating out unless I'm treated. I cook every meal for myself at home. As for spending habits, there are no extravagant spending spree's and I've resigned myself to the fact that there are no vacations. Only staycations. As for convenience, I live fairly far out from my family, my church, and my friends. This is the price that I have to pay in order to live in a home that is safe, affordable and roomy enough for me and my children. But, I honestly don't feel that this is any sacrifice whatsoever. It's what I have to do and I love my new home. I'm blessed beyond comprehension.
