Symptoms Before a Stroke

Knowing about the symptoms before a stroke is of paramount importance in preventing the occurrence of  a stroke. I wish I had known what to look for, so that I could have avoided my stroke. I really hope that I can help spread the word about the important symptoms before a stroke, so that fewer people suffer the same fate as I did.

1. Painful headache with no known cause. The pain supersedes all other headaches. You might also feel pain around your eyes, in your neck and in or around your face. Often this headache comes out of the blue is a major symptom before a stroke.


2. Difficulty walking. You might notice that you're stumbling, feeling dizzy or experiencing a lack of coordination. If you're having a stroke, you may stumble or have sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination. It can feel like you've just gotten off boat and haven't gotten your land legs yet.


3. Problems with speech. You might notice some problems with speech like slurring your words or even difficulty understanding other people speaking.


4. Vision problems. You might notice that you're having problems seeing with either eye or with both eyes. You might suddenly experience blurred vision, double vision or even just see black.


5. Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body. You may suddenly experience numbness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. One thing you can do if you think you're having a stroke is lift your arms up over your head. If one arm starts to fall down, you might be having a stroke.

The common denominator among the above symptoms is their SUDDEN onset. Should you experience one or more of these stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately and tell them that you believe you might be having a stroke. 

Please share this list of symptoms before a stroke with everyone you know. I know from experience that the key to recovery from a stroke is immediate medical attention. I was not so lucky and therefore would like to save other people from the exhaustingly slow recovery that I am still enduring. 

Take heart and know that should you experience a stroke, time is of the utmost importance. Of this I am positive. Wishing you loads of aloha. Tara

We all need Ha Ha time

I'm going to try something new with my blog today. I have a few minutes until my friend leaves and I need to accomplish something today. My friend is my typist, as I'm not yet able to type due to the stroke. So, I'm going to share what my day has been like.

My day has been filled with more doctor's appointments than I would like. I spent half of the day at the doctor's and the other half on hold with the doctor's office trying to make my next appointments. Yikes, what's up with that? LOL I would much rather be dancing under the stars at the beach than struggling to discuss meds under florescent lights. 

What I need at this point is some real Ha Ha time. I long for the light feeling of just letting go of the everyday struggle of healing from this stroke. This is not my idea of a good time! However, I will persevere! 

On a lighter note I am looking forward to this evening, where Hope Chapel is giving a tribute to Dr. Kit Lauer, a dear friend of mine. I believe that Kit may be sharing his last days with his beloved congregation. The group of people that come to hear Kit speak has become huge here on Maui because Kit's message is straight from the heart.

There is going to be an opportunity for members of the church to speak tonight about how Kit has touched their lives. I hope that I'll be able to express my deep feelings without bursting into mass of tears. Stay tuned. I'll let you know how it goes.

An Ode to Kit - My Pastor, My Mentor and My Friend

When I say the word, "friend," I as a Christian know that it means more than just a simple "hello and good bye" kind of friendship. I remember in Jesus' time the wearing of robes was customary and therefore when someone offered you their robe in friendship, it was the same as saying they would give their life for you.  My dear friend Kit, I would be honored if you would take my imaginary robe and wear it as a symbol of our friendship. 

You have been such a phenomenal teacher to me throughout the years. I have come to know deeply our God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through your teachings. You visited me in the hospital when I had a broken hip and when I had my life changing stroke that no one thought I would survive. You have been there for me as a true friend. To say that I admire you does not come close to the feelings that I want to express. 

Kit, you have been an inspiration to so many that I could only wish to make a mark on this world as you have done. The mark you have made is huge. Thank you for teaching me that when one door closes, another door opens. And so it is, Kit you have taught me how to deal with my own future passing with the knowledge that I am going to live forever in the arms of the one you have taught me to love. 

Benjamin Franklin & The 13 Virtues

Benjamin Franklin wrote so long ago about the 13 virtues that I believe are still relevant for today.  For this reason I am writing about the virtues that still seem as valid today as they were so long ago in Ben Franklin's day.

1. Temperance. Eat not to Dullness Drink not to Elevation.

We are to respect our bodies there by not to overindulge in any way, shape, or fashion: i.e. drugs, alcohol, or other mind altering substances.  I believe that this virtue speaks of not doing anything to an excess. 

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.

This virtue is huge in my opinion.  We all need to speak our truth quietly and clearly without unnecessary verbiage.

3. Order. Let all your Things have their Places. Let each Part of your Business have its Time.

I believe that Mr. Franklin was addressing the need for cleaning up clutter, whether it be in the office or nearly in your mind.  Clutter causes confusion.  So clean it up, whatever it is that is 'causing the mess'.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

Resolve to always do what you say you will do.  

Be an individual of honor.  Never lie, cheat, or steal.    

5. Frugality. Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

Be frugal; make no expenses that are unnecessary.  I believe Mr. Franklin was saying the old adage of 'waste not want not'.  He really got this right in my opinion!

6. Industry. Lose no Time. Be always employ'd in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary Actions.

In your work be productive and stay focused on the task at hand no matter how small or large the job is.  It is a real gem in the changing fortunes of time.    

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful Deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

I believe that Mr. Franklin was "right on" with this comment.  Speak innocently do not use your tongue as a sword.  Let the goodness of your heart shine with all of your words and always BE SINCERE.   

8. Justice. Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that a

re your Duty.

Wrong no one instead treat others as you want to be treated.

9. Moderation. Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Avoid extremes instead be balanced in all that you do.  Do not be resentful but instead be glad for the goodness they bring.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.

Never be unclean but instead be clean from head to toe including you home space.

11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

 Do not be disturbed at things that are truly out of your control.  Instead have a mild mannered countenance at all times with all people.

12. Chastity. Rarely use Venery but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's Peace or Reputation.

Be certain of whom you share your inner most feelings with.  Those special feelings are God given,  private, and wonderful.  Enjoy them to the hilt.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus

Imitate Jesus, for he was the only perfect man.  His humility is known throughout the world.  He is amazing and will always be the best example of what a man should be.