On the morning of January 11, 2012 I had a stroke around 7:45 a.m. while at the gym (no cracks about “trying to be healthy”). I had a usual routine which I followed 5 mornings a week. I was almost through. I walked about 5 feet to my next-to-the-last machine, but I could not figure out what to do. I did not “feel bad”—I just could not focus my eyes or decide what to do. I just could not make the familiar machine work. After pausing a couple of minutes, the situation did not improve. I decided to drive home.
By now I moved with hesitation—quite slowly. I checked out, went to my truck, and started it—yet three attempts could not locate the gears. Finally, I decided to go back in and tell a friend at check-in what was happening.
I felt fine, but my eyes would not work together. Within minutes friends and Joyce (my wife) were there, and I was taken to the hospital. Things become a blur after that. About all I remember is wondering why everyone was so concerned. Had I known how high my blood pressure was (it has never been high), I would have been concerned, too!
In less than two days, much treatment, and an excellent physical response, I was released—memory gaps, confusion, and all. Thanks to a God of blessings; good doctors with a good medical staff; an excellent wife; and prayerful, concerned friends, I am slow but doing fine (okay, I am not slow, just impatient).
Thanks for all the prayers, cards, and expressions of concern!
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell