The Year I lost when I had a Stroke

Gerda, 75, lives in Greenville, North Carolina. A former war

child from Germany, she’s a person of great courage, accustomed

to face challenges. She has traveled the globe by herself,

given readings as an author at world-famous venues. But above

all, she’s a healthy person.

Out of the blue, she gets a stroke. And all of a sudden, she’s confronted

with an unknown helplessness and uncertain future.

So is her son Michael, a risk manager. From one day to the next

his mother becomes his „client number one.” Making his first experiences

as a patient advocate, he gains a second full-time job.

He organizes an e-mail communication with friends of the family,

sharing any relevant news with them and appealing to their

support, to motivate his mother. A visit, phone call or post card

is enough.

Meanwhile Gerda is in good hands, doing a rehab.

Gerda can return home and focus on the healing process, regaining

her independency and resuming her life. Instead of some

smaller setbacks, each day is an improvement. Soon, Gerda can

go back to the rehabilitation center – for an outpatient therapy.

A book that does not only tell the story of a stroke patient, but is

“a good reminder … to never give up, regardless of the endeavor.”

Because “it’s worth it.”