My Recovery
Lynette

From 1993 to present, where it started was in a wheelchair pushing a parcel of a contraption hooked up to me. They were trying to put me back together. I tried to work with what I stood to gain by this. The run began. They tested my memory, my comprehension, my balance, my organization, my personal hygiene, my commitment to recovery, my ability to stay on track but, strangely enough, not my patience. With a large level of personal detachment, I remain observing myself as if I were a novelty. Feeling relief from the recovery demands, I spent time doing things I loved; listening to music, exploring Vancouver and BC, to find that I still loved them. After rehabilitation at GF Strong, I became involved in a program called community re-entry. Transferring my need for social experiences, I took a trip to LMBIA's fitness, Tai Chi downtown, gym at home, and volunteer work in which I made hundreds of errors. What helped me on the road was knowing I never lost who I was throughout all of this. An independent, self-directed optimist with a caring heart.
My recovery was not based on one person or program or thing, it was hard work, confidence, faith, patience and all those intangibles.

My Injury
TrickD

In April of 1994, I suffered a Stroke. Not knowing what was happening, lying in my bed, I started thinking that this is the end of short life; I was seventeen. I tried and tried to stand on my feet, but it was of no use. I passed out.
Next thing I remember is I am crawling on floor of a hospital, I do not recall exactly which one. I was in a coma from then on for about two weeks. When I did come out of my coma, life it seemed was unfair. I started asking questions in my head; why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve? Is God punishing me?
From hospital to hospital, my journey of recovery had begun. First it RCH, where I spent half a year, then came Eagle Ridge, spending about three months in recovery and finally I was taken to GF Strong for my last part recovery. The latter was the most helpful because they taught me how to SURVIVE. From learning how write and read to tying my shoes with one hand also they helped me prepare meals when I got hungry.
Anyways, my life seems to have started all over again and I am glad that THERE ARE PEOPLE WILLING AND ABLE to guide in the recovery process. Believe in yourself and the future will look BRIGHTER!