Well Wishes for a Dear Friend

This past Friday, one of our very dear friends suffered a heart attack then 2-3 major strokes after being administered anesthesia just before surgery. She is like family to us. She and her husband are Luke's appointed guardians should something happen to both Mrs. LIAYF and I. She and her husband have been amazingly supportive throughout our journey into parenthood and we love them both.

Our friend is paralyzed on her right side and has suffered extensive damage to her brain's speech, hearing and vision centers. She cannot yet walk or talk. She is just starting to communicate through gestures, and reaches out to everyone who visits. Today she was transferred out of intensive care at Seattle's best trauma hospital. However, she will remain at the hospital for several weeks while she begins her recovery process. She will then go home and continue her physical and speech therapy.

Our friend is young (mid thirties) and was healthy before this tragedy, so we are all hopeful she can make a full recovery. She has progressed amazingly in a few short days, but the process will be most likely be long and difficult. This friend is kind, generous and wonderful. Everyone who knows her just adores her and wishes her well. It's been a tough reminder that life is short, and that friends and family are what make it worth living.

I knew very little about strokes before this, but was amazed when I was directed to this video about what it feels like to have a stroke. If you are interested, take some time to watch and learn. It's a fascinating description by a neuroanatomist who had a stroke of her own - oddly, at the same age our friend is now (37). The neuroanatomist has recovered completely, so there's lots of hope for our friend. In addition to being kind and generous, our friend is tough, determined and works hard. Her recovery will be a good example to Lukas of what you can overcome through sheer will, determination, and loving family and friends.

Please keep our friend in your thoughts and prayers - I believe that all good intentions make a positive difference in situations like this.