Mr. LBB comes home from work almost every day to have lunch. He eats in the office with Lisa and I (we call it “family lunch”). It turns out we wore the same outfit today….our “fear will not rule” t-shirts:

10 weeks ago yesterday my friend Elaine had a massive stroke. She was working out at the gym when she collapsed suddenly. One of her doctors said she’d never walk again. Last night we met our friends Staci (Elaine’s daughter) and Ben, Elaine and Fred (her husband) at their pool for dinner and swimming.  It was the first time I’d seen Elaine since visiting her in the hospital a few days after her stroke in Newport. It was Elaine’s first time traveling back to the desert. It was an emotional sight as we first saw her walk into the pool area and down a flight of steps unassisted. A true miracle.

When I first visited Elaine after her stroke she couldn’t move her right arm or leg, she couldn’t do anything without assistance. Eating, showering, going to the bathroom all required someone else’s help. I remember quietly knocking on the hospital room door, peeking in and accidentally interrupting a session of physical therapy. The thing I distinctly recall is one of the nurses saying “Oh, hold on….let us HELP you do that!” She kept trying to go faster than the nurses were working. Elaine was determined from the very beginning, no matter what any doctor said, that she would get better. And she was right. It’s taken 10 weeks of grueling work that I can’t even begin to imagine, but her brain is slowly retraining itself. The stroke did significant damage but the power of the mind and body is truly miraculous and amazing.  Elaine has been slowly relearning how to use her left arm and leg. She’s back home, walking, going out to lunch and dinner, shopping, and this week traveling and even driving a golf cart. So much for the never-walking-again diagnosis.

Last night at dinner, we all talked about how unbelievable the past months have been. I was diagnosed with cancer. Elaine was taking care of ME! Then suddenly Elaine had a massive stroke. It’s been an uphill battle…..but we all continue to CHOOSE JOY throughout it all…..just thankful to be here surrounded by amazing friends and family.

Every time I think about Elaine though I think about that one doctor that insisted she’d never walk again. From the very beginning none of us even believed for a second that he knew what he was talking about…..especially Elaine. We talked in the hospital about how the brain can make new little roadways to get the information through…..it just has to figure out it’s detour route. The mind and body are so powerful. I feel like some doctors can just crush hope so quickly. It’s not right. I remember when we found out my tumors were growing back and a new tumor had shown up….Dr. L, bless his heart, said “I still have hope for you though.” My response was “Really? You still have hope? Thanks…..but I have a little more than that. I’m going to get better.” By my next CT scan, one tumor had entirely vanished…..like we had hit a rewind button. Never underestimate the power of prayer….and the strength and determination of the patient.

You can follow Elaine’s story here….Staci and Ben have documented her journey from the very beginning. Pass it on to anyone you know that has had a stroke or chronic illness that could use some inspiration. We love you Elaine!