[Oe List ...] Last post-stroke update re daughter, Eva

[Nancy Trask]

Dear Ellie, Carleton, and family,
I’m so very happy that Eva’s recovery has been such a steady improvement.
She is remarkable!  Prayers for the continuing journey to full functions.

Grapes & Peas (preferably in 2 separate bowls!)
Nancy Trask

On Fri, Jul 24, 2020 at 11:57 AM Ellie Stock via OE <oe at lists.wedgeblade.net>
wrote:

> Dear Friends,
>
> Greetings from St. Louis!
>
> I wanted to share a last post-stroke/post-surgery update regarding our
> daughter, Eva.
>
> The Ides of 2020 began for us December 30 when we were shocked to learn
> that our daughter Eva had a stroke, was in ICU, her left side paralyzed and
> unable to speak.  Driving back to Pittsburgh from St Louis, we didn't know
> what her prognosis was.  The stroke was caused by at 95% blockage of her
> right carotid artery which would need surgery as soon as possible but was
> postponed three times due to medical insurance issues.  In retrospect, that
> was for the better, as I don't know how she could have coped with
> recovering from the stroke and surgery at the same time.
>
> We reached out to you, our friends and colleagues, asking for prayers,
> encouragement, support, and you responded graciously with your prayers,
> emails, thoughts, words of encouragement, lighted candles, and cards for
> Eva and also words of wisdom for how to navigate the medical and medical
> financial aid systems.  Some of you shared medical issues that your own
> families were experiencing, and others of you have lost loved ones during
> this time, and so our prayers also went out to and continue to be with you.
>
> January through March I was commuting between Pittsburgh and St. Louis as
> Eva gradually but steadily, recovered from the stroke and surgery,  I
> returned home in time to begin sheltering-in-place due to the beginning of
> the coronavirus pandemic which, all too soon, was followed by multiple
> manifestations of another pandemic in our country/world, racism and the
> killing of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and subsequent racial events
> leading to protests and demonstrations--the 60s deja vu all over again.
> Since then, both pandemics have alternately been grabbing news headlines
> and spotlights and changing the world and our everyday lives, suffering
> from the incredible illness and death toll and exacerbating already present
> racial and economic disparities.  At the same time we have been in awe of
> the those on the front lines of both the medical, research, and essential
> needs battles, and also those who continue to be on the front lines working
> for racial justice and equality.
>
> During these months until June, Eva continued with doctors' appointments,
> scans, tests, neurological evaluations speech/physical/occupational
> therapy and home exercises.  She is walking well--(not running yet), her
> speech is slightly slower but good but her voice lacks endurance for longer
> conversations.  The use of her left hand has improved but is not yet 100%
> in sensitivity or functioning for which she is still having occupational
> therapy.  Part of her self-therapy at home is getting back to playing the
> piano--challenging her left hand to cooperate.  She is an avid reader but
> finds it difficult to read for long periods of time.  Doctors say full
> recovery could take 12-18 months.
>
> The second week of July she returned to her job very part time, 2
> hours/day, where she works at a child care learning center.  The classroom
> she entered seemed strange as she was shocked that all of her décor had
> been removed from the walls due to disinfecting the rooms.  So, as an
> imaginal educator, she started again with new décor and getting to know
> mostly new children wearing masks.  Next week she will work 3 hours/day and
> will gradually increase her hours as her energy and stamina allow.
>
> Considering where she was in December, we are so grateful for the progress
> she has made and continues to make.  And we are very grateful for the
> prayer and other support you have generously shared.
>
> Our prayers continue with all you during these uncertain times of the
> spreading coronavirus pandemic and addressing the continuing pandemic of
> racism/white supremacy.
>
> Take care, be well, and stay safe.
>
> Grapes and peas and blessings,
>
> Ellie (and Carleton, too :)
> elliestock at aol.com
>
>
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