Kyle's Corner 8/3

Being an only child in my family has its perks, but it also has it’s many pitfalls. There is a high level of responsibility being the only child in my family. For starters, it is my job alone to perpetuate the family line. My dad’s brothers haven’t had any male heirs, so that is a job that falls on me. Another responsibility that solely falls on my shoulders is the care and family leadership in times of sickness.

My vacation to the east coast was a great opportunity to see the world, reset and reflect. Toward the end, my meditation was interrupted with a call that my father had another stroke, this one more critical and massive than the last. I will openly admit, it was not something I was shocked to hear. My father had a much smaller stroke while visiting us in Graham (kind of a pre-cursor stroke) in December. After his trip to the hospital in December, nothing changed. Stubbornness is a family trait, but this stubbornness could have been deadly. 

Unfortunately, the last set of strokes has left him without any feeling in his right side and this set of strokes will greatly impact his mobility. My mom has had strokes in the past and has a harder time getting around now, but none of her ailments compare to the cognitive and mobility limitations my father is faced with now.

This has been a personally trying time for me. The Lord requires patience and tests us repeatedly in this regard. My wife and I are both from the Fort Worth area and already spend a great deal of time over there, but the past week has been especially exhausting commuting back and forth every other day.

We will press forward. It is what we always do and I continue to look for strength to lead and make the most of this situation. It is my hope that my parents will learn from this, and become less stubborn so that they can make the most of what is left of their life. 

My dad has been retired for a few years now and both of my parents are only 60. They should have plenty of life left and it is my belief that we should always make the most the time that we are granted to have here on this earth. My hope is that my Father will make the most of his physical therapy, and my prayer is that he will regain as much mobility as possible. It will not be easy, though.

Strokes are nothing to play around with, and there are some simple steps that can be taken to recognize when a stroke is occurring, and to prevent strokes.

First, recognizing a stroke. The National Stroke Association says to act FAST. The F stands for face. Ask the person to smile. Does their face droop? The A stands for arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one droop downward? The S stands for speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? Finally the T stands for time. If you experience any of these signs call 911 immediately.

Some strokes can also preventable to a degree. There are several different risk factors that can be identified and treated. Some risk factors include high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and both are treatable. Managing these risk factors can go a long way! 

The most important thing in stroke prevention is recognition. If you can recognize the signs you are more likely to be able to respond quickly. The quicker the response the more likely medical professionals can help and reduce symptoms of a stroke. 

I will continue to work with my parents and I will ensure that their medical needs are met. I’m just glad that I am in a position to help and I hope going forward everyone will be as healthy as humanly possible.