Life Lessons

by Kelley Lindberg


So there you are, going about your day with its routine ups and downs, and then you get the phone call that says someone you love has had a stroke a thousand miles from home. So you try to be supportive from home for a day, realize that isn't working, and you fly to where they are.

You didn't realize how easy it would be to blow off all those things that seemed so vitally important a day or two ago. You didn't realize how many friends would jump in to help take care of your kid, your husband, your job. You didn't realize how many people would help in a hundred little ways. You didn't realize how many phone calls you'd be making to insurance companies, not to mention airlines, hotels, and rental car companies.

And you remember, as you sit in the hospital and overhear conversations like "I just hope they can find some answers," or "I think she recognized me," or "I don't know what we're going to do," that you're not alone in the darkness. You also realize that all the problems you thought were insurmountable last week are really molehills that you can overcome with a little more effort when you get home.


It's a good reminder that you're stronger than you think you are.

At least it has been for me.