A note to well meaning friends and family;
As many of you know I had a stroke 1 1/2 years ago and had an operation 10 months ago that allowed me to walk without a limp.
Over this time people who know and love me and want nothing but good for me have made suggestions that I have decided to reject. I have started to run again and am now running five miles, albeit slowly, three times a week. Some people who care about me have suggested I don't run again as it was old running injuries that put me walking with a cane and finally needing an operation where three joints were fused, some bone was taken from my tibia and three pins were placed in my ankle. I have listened to everyone, but my goal is to run another Marathon. My Dr. is amazed, but also is cautiously supportive.
The other advice I am going to reject is that I shouldn't do things like scuba diving and climbing on pyramids because I have had a stroke. Fortunately, I didn't receive this advice until I had already gone scuba diving twice and climbed up the pyramid at Coba. Had I received this advice prior to these adventures, I may not have gone or been worried while participating in these adventures and not had the extreme pleasure of doing something I've never before done.
I turn 66 less than two weeks away. I have decided I am not going to live life as an invalid for as many years as possible and I will not live in fear. I choose to live life with vigor and spare my wife the care of having to nurse a grown man. I am going to enjoy my time on Earth enjoying my time with my wife, enjoying visits with my friends over cold cerveza, (Lite due to Dr's advice) and continuing to seek out new experiences.
To my many good friends and family members; I value your advice and concern, but I plan to continue to do things that make you question my sanity. This is who I am and, I love you all. Be happy for me that I live this life of adventure and will not be held back from the goals in my life.
Joel, i.e. Ducky
NO ONE could have said it better and were I in uniform, I'd salute you!! A grand and healthy way to look at life and life's plan encompassing the things that make you happy and whole. Keep on keepin' on, Joel and maybe one day I will be there to cheer you on in that marathon!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you, Joel, for surviving and THRIVING and being so positive. I had cancer 20 years ago. I lost the use of my dominant arm and hand 5 years ago (have since regained a lot of function), and have had 3 TIA's and a minor stroke. If I'd listened to all of my well-meaning and loving friends, I'd be in a rocking chair on the porch. We each have to find our own comfort zones and live our own lives. Kudos to you for LIVING your life!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Joel! I wish you the best life possible.
ReplyDeleteHey.....Joel! I love your attitude and humor. LOL (Lots Of Love)! God bless you as you make the most of what He has given you. Great Stuff! <3 lenore
ReplyDeleteYou and Janice both have such an amazing energy for life. It is so great to hear all about the things that you both do knowing just some of the things you have been thru health wise. Keep on keepin on!
ReplyDeleteMy advice: Go for it while you can! There will be plenty of time to sit around and do nothing a long time from now. When we retired a lot of people thought we would be just sitting around watching TV. We plan our budget and have done a lot of fun things, with more planned for the future. We will sit around and do nothing at a later date-much later. We saved for this time in our lives and don't plan on letting it pass by us. Glad to hear you two are doing the same. Keep it up.
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