Today, this second Sunday in December, was difficult to get through. At the same time, it has been a joyous day! The love of my life suffered a stroke that should have taken his life, but through the grace of God and the miracles of modern medicine he is still by my side and we are closer now than ever before. Enjoy and make the most out of life because you NEVER know when you will be called to glory. Time is truly a precious gift from God. Barry and I have both been through a lot since 2009, but we are still here and still going strong.

Last year, at around 8:30am, Barry was assisting one of our residents with his morning care. The resident called for me to come quick. I got in the room and Barry said in a funny voice, “Honey, I can’t get up, help.” I leaned over to grab his arm, when I realized he couldn’t grasp my arm, I quickly told him to stay put and not to move. The thought running through my head, was “‘you’re the  strong one, Barry….You cannot be having a stroke!” I knew he was, but that thought would not leave my head. I called 911, checked on him again and went to get his medicines.

Gwinnett County EMS was on top of it that day, they were there in a flash and my heart sank as I watched them drive off with my sweety. I knew I’d never be able to drive, so I had called my sister to give me a ride. She was 20 minutes away. She made it in record time. My head was racing with all sorts of things that I could not shake. I was crying then as I am crying now telling this story. The local ER was on the ball and had Barry ready for transfer when we arrived, Kris and I attempted to keep up with the ambulance, which was impossible, so we decided to be safe. At the next hospital, Barry was already on the table having the “Mercy” procedure performed. True to the doctors words, Barry was regaining use of his left side within 12 hours.  

One year ago, I got the opportunity to fall in love with my soul mate all over again. The stroke took Barry’s filter away. He’s adorable and we are enjoying rediscovering each other all over again. I love him dearly and do not know what I’d do without him.