I had a stroke

I suffered a stroke the morning I published my piece on the First Amendment. It may be a while before my next one. But I'll be back.

I had a stroke.

I don’t know how or why it happened. But it happened. Sometime from Monday night to Tuesday morning, Labor Day, while I slept, I had a brain bleed.

Since I’ve never before had a stroke, I didn’t know how to react. In fact, I didn’t know at all for two days, which is why I did nothing about it until late Wednesday afternoon. By then it was too late. '

They were two of the weirdest days of my life. I woke up feeling strange, in a daze, like a gauze was set in front of my eyes. Nothing was clear. My strength was gone as if somebody had come in the night and stolen my precious bodily fluids.

Everything was wonky. I would step in one direction, like north, but my body decided on its own that the next step would be southwest. When making breakfast I might as well be mixing quantum gravity.

Nothing prepares you for this. One day I’m a picture of health, 6-foot-1 195 pounds of lean muscle mass, the next day a big, hot mess. I am proud of my physical shape. But I knew I was in trouble when I got my haircut on Wednesday afternoon and could not figure out how to write the number “18” on the bill.

It was at that time I called my son.

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The Hospital Confirmation

The hospital confirmed the diagnosis. Ischemic stroke, a brain bleed … probably no more than 30 seconds. But what a devastating half-minute.

My first 68 years were fairly uneventful, save for a major cardo-ablation in 2016 (which was successful). This is different; this is life-altering and requires attention for three months, maybe longer. I was told I’m lucky, that someone with my fitness can expect just about a full recovery.

I intend to do just that.

Meantime, this space will be fairly empty. But I’ll be active. I’ll be back as soon as I’m able.

Till then, adieu.

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