--I have learned that I will never be the same as I was before.
--I have learned that that is okay!
--Some people will never understand, but others genuinely want to, so I should never stop trying to share my story.
--I am SO much healthier than others who have had the same thing--and I need to remember that when I feel like hosting a pity party.
--Sometimes, I have to ask for help.
--And that's okay, too!
--Sometimes, when I ask for help, people will not want to give it. But I have to let it just roll off my back, because it just means they are closed-minded and selfish.
--Sometimes, when I ask for help, people are glad to give it and want to know more!
The morning of my midnight flight, my husband called both airlines and set up a MAA. When I got to the airport in Lima, Peru, the gate agent gladly walked me back, keeping up a steady stream of conversation in pretty good English. Even the flight attendants were sensitive to any needs I might have (I didn't have any, but it was still nice to know they cared.) When I landed in Florida and had to go through customs alone, it was all I could do not to have an anxiety attack. But for being 7:30 in the morning, the customs and security people were pretty helpful and friendly. Two people asked how old I was (confirming my fear that I'm gonna get that question until I'm 70), and one person asked if I just wanted to tag along with the family in front of me! When I checked into my next flight, the MAA guy was nice and friendly. He also asked why I needed assistance, but he said it in a gentle tone of voice. When I showed him my bracelet, he asked what caused my injury. Since most people know what an aneurysm is, and not many know what an AVM is, and since they're basically kissing cousins, I told him I had a brain aneurysm. He gasped and asked if I'd had surgery. His brother in law had an aneurysm and has had six surgeries. When I told him the doctors didn't want to do surgery, he just shook his head and patted my arm. Once I got to my gate, I met up with a member of my Ecuador team! And my two hour flight delay and missed connection in Atlanta wasn't stressful at all because I had someone else there to help me rebook my flight (which is actually a LOT easier than I'd have ever thought!). So by the time I got to Atlanta, I'd had a helpful and stress-free (if exhausting) trip so far, so I decided to strike out on my own. I hadn't taken three steps down the concourse when a stranger caught up to me and asked if she could walk with me to the plane train. :-) That was random. But acceptable!
--After 11 years, my journey of recovery isn't over. It may never be "over". But that doesn't mean I will give up, or let the bad days get me down.
--Because of my rupture/stroke, I have learned many life lessons that I would not have otherwise, and those experiences give me a deeper appreciation for others who have life-long journeys through illness or disability (many of which are "invisible").
--I have learned that some days are meant for keeping the kid alive and fed.
--I have learned that other days I can accomplish a whole pile of stuff--and I need to take advantage of those days! But not too much, since those days tend to be more stressful.
--Everyone has a story, and I never need to be so wrapped up in myself that I don't take the time to show interest in others.