Hi, I’m Denise. At the age of 50, life changed in an instant. A stroke stole my words, shook up my world—and I’ve been rebuilding ever since.
Caregiving started early—first with my grandfather, later with my father. Watching them taught me a lot about stroke recovery. But when it happened to me, the truth became clear: every journey is different. No one can truly prepare you for what it feels like inside your own body and mind.
It’s Been a Long Road Back
Those early days were anything but normal. My body refused to cooperate, my thoughts scattered, and even the simplest tasks felt impossible. Recovery wasn’t just about learning how to move again, it was about finding myself again.
Some days felt strong. Other days brought setbacks. What this journey has shown me is that progress isn’t a straight line. Healing comes with frustrations, but also with small victories that matter more than you’d expect.
Finding My Words Again
At first, reading and writing were impossible. Words slipped into the air before I could catch them, and my speech sounded like that of a child just learning language. Writing wasn’t a tool yet—it was a goal, something I longed for and fought toward.
It took years to get past the basics—at first, only one-syllable words were possible. In time, two and three found their way back, and piece by piece, language slowly returned. Only recently have both voice and writing come back, along with a part of life once thought lost.
Why This Space Exists
This blog is a place to be real about recovery—the hard days, the hopeful days, and everything in between. Here you’ll find poems, reflections, and stories. They speak to both the struggles and the small joys of living after stroke.
The goal is simple: to make sure no one feels alone. I also want to help families understand what survivors go through. This can give them ideas on how to help.
I live in Virginia, where I balance writing, family, and healing. Music, nature, and words are my passion—spoken with courage, read with curiosity, and written from the heart. The words I share here, and in my book, bring me joy.
If we were sitting together over coffee, I’d tell you this: healing is hard, but hope is real.
Welcome to this little corner of the internet. Your story matters here, too. 💙
Want to keep reading? You might enjoy The Kitchen Attacks. It offers a humorous look at how even everyday chaos can become part of the healing journey.
For more information about stroke recovery and support, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
