My healthy, 41 year old husband is currently in the hospital. Sunday, he suffered a massive stroke on the right side of his brain. The prognosis is still unclear.
We still have no idea why this happened. He didn’t have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. He’s never used drugs or smoked. He had no pre-existing health conditions that we knew of. The doctors are still baffled.
And I’m about to do something I never do.
This is us a couple of weeks ago. Everyone says he doesn’t look 41.
I’m not the person who goes to Facebook and complains that she had a bad day. I don’t ask for help.
I’m the person who tries to provide value to others. The most common thing I hear from people in my business and have heard for the last 15 years is “inspiring”.
People tell me all the time that I inspire them.
I even hear this from people who aren’t my customers or who have never spent money with me or who would never join my business.
I like that.
I consider it a win if I provide value to others, and value to the internet, and value to people’s social media news feeds.
If something I’ve written makes people feel good, or educates them about something that benefits them in their life, then my job is done.
Right now I don’t know what the future holds. My husband has lost 50% of his vision and we don’t know if it’s permanent. We do know he can’t drive. Which is a challenge because he earns his living doing mobile, on-location furniture repair.
Two things.
One, I’m so happy I decided to start a business 13 months ago. If I didn’t have an additional stream of income, I would be far more worried than I am. I personally believe that it is not safe in this world to rely on one income. That has probably been true for decades. It’s just too risky.
Second, I am asking for help.
Please understand how hard this is for me. I am not the type of person who is comfortable with receiving help. It’s actually very difficult. I know I’m not alone in that!
People in my community, in my family of faith, are asking what they can do. They’re offering to babysit my young children for an afternoon, or bring meals. All of those things are wonderful and helpful and I appreciate them.
I am also asking for my readers and subscribers to consider helping me by letting me throw them a Facebook party. As you probably know, I sell botanical skin care and long-wearing cosmetics. I love the products I use because they do what they say they will do, and would love to introduce them to you and your girlfriends and get you some free stuff in return!
Please reply to clauth at gmail dot com if you would be willing to do that.
You can also visit my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.
Or, go straight to my online catalog and shop here: https://www.LippyChic.com/shop
My big kids are worried that we’ll lose our home. I’m going to do everything in my power to prevent that from happening, but I need help. And I’m willing to provide value in return by gifting you with a free product for referring business my way.
I’m so thankful I started this little side hustle a year ago. If you’d like to hear more about that, let’s chat. EVERYONE needs a Plan B.
Peace,
Carrie Willard
Carrie Iam so very very sorry for what has happened. I know it will take time for him to recover. I know what it’s like to have your husband in the hospital and help the Drs and nurses take care of him night and day.
Rely heavily on Jehovah. Tell him your worries and needs. He will take care of you and your children. When Dean was in the hospital we needed something and I asked Jehovah for his help on my way to the hospital one morning. When I got to the hospital, he had answered my prayer.
I have the Nextdoor app uploaded to my phone and tablet. It’s a good app that has your neighbors on it. I will post your LipSense website on it and try to get people to do a party and/or make a purchase.
You’re in my prayers.
Much love to you and your family.
Christine Gill
Christina NextDoor is a great idea, thank you! I’ve tried posting there before but they frown on self-promotion, but if someone else refers me that’s ok with them, so I would appreciate mentions!
Carrie, I wanted to let you know that I work at Shepherd Center now. We do great rehab for young stroke patients like your husband. Seriously, I know one guy who is now about 9 years post stroke who is doing 50 mile races (he was 32 at the time of his stroke). If y’all need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me. missroon [at] yahoo [dot] com.
Hi, My name is Elaine & my husband had 3 strokes in 2007. In the space of 2 months he had 2 massive & 1 mild strokes. His was left brain right side. He still has a lot of trouble with his right side. His mobility is not good but he tries to do all he can. He has expressive aphasia so he knows what he wants to say but the words won’t come out. It is so frustrating for him & for me. Today is our 55th wedding anniversary so I know him extremely well. Most of the time I read his mind. I know how he thinks, what he likes, what his values are. We have worked it out now for 11 years & we are happy & content. He tells me “I love you” all the time. He says thank you all the time because I do everything. He is so sweet & I love Him so much. THERE IS HAPPINESS , LOVE, MATERIAL NECESSITIES, AND CONTMENT AFTER STROKES. I wish you well. Look to God for help, courage, even more faith, & for His holy spirit. Pray in Jesus name. Please look up Psalm 83:18 so you can use God’s name when you pray to him. Please contact me if you would appreciate some comfort from God’s Holy Word, The Bible. I am thinking of you & I care very much.
I suggest you read MY STROKE OF INSIGHT
Jill Bolte Taylor, a thirty-seven-year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist, experienced a massive stroke when a blood vessel exploded in the left side of her brain.
My Stroke of Insight is both a valuable recovery guide for anyone touched by a brain injury and an emotionally stirring testimony that deep internal peace truly is accessible to anyone at any time.
I will pray…
I love her Ted talk and hubby and I watched it again the other day. So inspiring!
I know that verse well my sister 🙂
Thank you Meredith! He has several doctor’s appointments in the upcoming week and I’ll keep that in mind!
I am so sorry to hear about this. Please check into Social Security Disability, as well as food vouchers for your family. If you call SSA, they will put you in touch with the channels for assistance. You are all in my thoughts and prayers?
Praying for your husband, you & your family.
Please post updates when you can.