Wake Up Call

Sterling found himself a little weak and wobbly in his lower left leg when he woke up on Saturday morning. I asked him if it could have been a stroke (the Spirit’s first nudge to me that I ignored), and he told me he thought he’d just slept wrong and that it would go away during the day.

We went about our preparation day as usual, doing laundry and cleaning, with Sterling standing on a chair to clean our sliding glass door and climbing the stairs to our favorite little café for lunch. Sterling then drove us to Equine 808, where we donate time on Saturday afternoons, and he trimmed horses’ hooves. I haltered and gathered to minimize his walking. Then we vacuumed the car, had it washed, and stopped by Walmart. By this time, Sterling was getting tired and was happy to lean on the cart while I raced around the store.

On our way home, I insisted he stay in the car and take a nap while I ran into the store and grabbed some groceries. We hurried to shower and get ready for stake conference, and while we were sitting and waiting for the meeting to start, I decided to do a little research online. (This time I listened to the prompting).)

The first paragraph I read alarmed me, and I knew right away that I should have gotten online earlier in the morning. Sterling started to read with me, and everything described was exactly what happened. It was a great meeting, but I have to admit, we were both a little distracted, researching different kinds of strokes and nearby hospitals.

Shortly after the meeting, we headed to the hospital emergency room where we didn’t wait at all, and the staff was efficient and friendly. At first, the staff wasn’t sure what to think because Sterling’s symptoms were so subtle, but after a CT scan and an MRI, it was determined that he had definitely had a stroke. Today he’s getting an echocardiogram, and we hope to go home.

We don’t know all the details of the stroke and the plan moving forward because we haven’t seen the neurologist yet, but after physical therapy yesterday, the therapist discovered that Sterling had also lost a little mobility in his left hand, but overall he’s doing very well and should recover fully.

It was an emotional Sabbath day, FaceTiming our family and counting our blessings. The doctors and nurses tell us this is a wake up call. Well, we’re definitely awake…and feeling extremely blessed!

We wish all of you, our dear family and friends, a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Comments

[Vickie Sanderz]

I'll be praying for you both. My husband was ill just over 1 year ago & I know that prayers made all the difference for both of us. I hope you both are able to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. God bless

[SHH]

Prayers for Sterling and all of your family. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery and that you are able to complete your mission. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Georgia Rainbolt]

Keep listening to that little voice. I know that there are over 50,000 prayers coming Sterling and your way. I have been checking your blog all weekend, this was not what I hoped to hear but he looks good and is in good hands. Take care of him and yourself.

[Ruurd]

Oy! Shelli take care and make sure that you and Sherman have the opportunity to make your point. I wish you guys a lot of strength and wisdom. Keep calm. Be firm.

[Susan Legits]

Hugs and prayers to you and Sterling and your whole family. I know it is even harder to be away from the girls and grandkids now. You have always been an amazing family and a benchmark for all of us.

[Alisa Tilsner]

Thinking of you Stirling and Shelli xx

[Jeri]

Sending prayers to both you and Sterling!

[Deb Napolitano]

Hi Shelli, Sending best wishes to both of you and happy to hear Sterling will be back to good health again. I know it's a scary situation. A similar episode happened to me a few weeks back, brought on by migraines of all things. I woke up with my face drooping and left arm very weak. I had excellent care in the hospital for 4 days and grateful to be back to normal. All I could think of while lying in bed was, 'oh no, I'm going to miss the On-Stage Event'. I made it there (Tampa) and loved every minute. Hugs!

[Linda Bauwin]

My heart and prayers are with you both

[Cathy McLean]

Prayers for you both! Just glad you got to hospital in time...xx

[Julie Davison]

Whew! So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Holding you both close in prayer.

[Lori Ruello]

My thoughts and prayers are going out to you, Sterling and your family during this Thanksgiving week. Wishing Mr. S a speedy recovery.

Take care

[Michelle]

Wishing you both the best. Shelli you of all people know the power of prayer. Take care of yourselves and we will pray for a complete recovery. Many blessings to you both.

[Kathryn Whittaker]

Thoughts and prayers coming your way for a quick and full recovery, Sterling! And prayers also for you, Shelli, for comfort and strength to care for your eternal sweetheart. {{Hugs}}

[Vickie Sweitzer]

I'm so glad you sought medical care! High blood pressure and strokes are nothing to fool around with. Take care!

[Delys Cram]

Thinking of you and hope Sterling is on the mend!

[Jean Fitch]

Praying for you, Sterling and the rest of your family. A scary time for sure and definitely a time for gratitude as you said, for that inner voice, good hospitals and their staff and most of all your family and friends who lift you all up in prayer. May you both be given the strength you need, the help you need and know you always have the love you need from friends, family and our dear Lord. Hang in there. :D

[Anna Wheaton]

Thinking of you both and sending love and prayers. xx

[Moira McIlroy]

Sending thoughts for a speedy recovery. Good job you didn't ignore the nudge for long.

[Shawn Beal]

Keeping you and Sterling, and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you hugs and much love. xoxo

[Phyllis Shepherd]

Praying all goes well with Sterling. Also prayers for the family during this time.
Hoping you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with blessings galore!

[Adele Madden]

Sending heartfelt prayers for a complete recovery for Sterling. May your family share in God's grace this holiday season.

[Ann Fallihee]

Thinking of you and Sterling and wishing him a speedy recovery!

[Christine Giuda]

Shelli and Sterling,
My prayers are with you for a complete recovery. Trust in God that He is with you during this time.
Christine

[Eileen Lang]

So sorry to hear about Sterling, but know that your Stampin' Up! family is praying for his recovery and for the whole family as you go through this together.