My Second-month, Second-chance Birthday

I returned to work a couple days after my 1-month, second-chance birthday. Feelings were still a bit raw, tears were easy to pool and spill over. They didn’t reflect whether I felt good or bad, they were emotions living close to the surface.   On my first day back, I remember standing in the conference room while the entire team lined up like a royal receiving line just waiting for a turn to give ME a hug.   I was overwhelmed by the show of respect and affection.

There’s a bit of smotherly-caring going on within the team.  I’ll be on a call at night with India and a few will say at the conclusion… “Are you going to bed now??”  I’ve been scolded for being on Slack too late or questioned whether I’m getting enough sleep and taking care of myself.  I’m blessed to have the concern of so many people.

Going back to work was refreshing but there were still demons going on inside.   A paranoia was taking hold.   In all my reading and research of strokes, it said that 26% of women and 48% of men will have a second.   So what if this darn thing rears its head again (no pun intended)?   My brain began working on overload identifying all the “what-if” scenarios where I could be alone and not able to call for help. In the car, swimming pool, at the beach… nothing said that IF it happened again I’d be home.   I began to think of the Plan B to protect myself.  I needed to setup my environment where I knew I could reach help.

And that is what led me to spend the better part of an afternoon in an AT&T store; swapping my Samsung Android phone for an entire spread of Apple technology.   iPhone8,  Apple Watch Series 3, and they threw in an iPad for good measure.   My objective: the handy-dandy little SOS button on the side of my Apple Watch.  Push it for a few seconds and you’re connected to emergency.  The new watch has it’s own cell # so you no longer need to be within 100 feet of your iPhone.   AND it is waterproof so I can safely wear it either in the shower or my swimming pool.

Technology can Saves Lives!  My game plan…

• Plan A – Alexa Echo Connect  (setup in the house and every “Alexa” can now call 911)
• Plan B – Apple Watch Series 3 SOS Button  (wear everyday)
• Plan C – Hey Siri 🙂

I’ve lost 40lbs, my diet is healthier, my energy level is moderately higher, I exercise more (but still not enough), and mind is clearer with the reduced carbs & sugar intake than it has been in years.   Just tonight, I assembled a raised garden planter and tucked it in the backyard near the other planters growing peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce.  Strawberry plants will be nestled in the dirt this weekend.  Can hardly wait to see the red berries begin to pop out from under those green leaves and taking immense joy in watching my grandbabies munch them all, leaving me none.

Reflecting over the past month, my emotional state has improved.  I don’t feel as scared.  A little less vulnerable.  Blessed to be alive.  And trying day-by-day to take good care of myself and enjoy this beautiful life God’s blessed me with.