Gary and Walter - Very helpful people to me

Hi folks. I’d like you to meet two friends of mine that have given me support and vice versa during my stroke recovery. Gary is a former helicopter pilot and Walter set up the web site for stroke survivors and their families and friends. Here’s Gary.

Bruce

Hi, Bruce

Got your email and say yes I was in Vietnam 1964-1965, Mekong River area, Vingh Long Airfield, mostly. I flew the Bell Hughes UH-1 B,D models. I slept in clean sheets most of time there. The flying was fun and very, very exciting, a little dangerous but no Purple Hearts. I was very fortunate in many ways; I was on my way out about the time it got hot.

Was released from duty in 1967 and sold Real Estate for most part. Got my instructors license and flew until my stroke in 1995. Then the fun really came into view. Going from laying in a bed feeling sorry for myself to getting about 80-90% of my physical self back and 70% of my mental being back, some day's it feels like 30%, my wife thinks that it is more like 5%. I do some pretty dumb things.

In many ways my life started in 1995. I have learned to LOVE my neighbors, which I did silently before but I didn't really serve any of their needs. I found out what it was like being alone and not knowing what was going to be the next hill to climb. That's why I have gotten involved with Stroke Groups, that's were I got to know Walter, I don't see him often, he is to busy with other things. I miss him, he has added a lot to my life.

How has been things going with you, I see you have blog site, I'll look at it later. Lose a hand that's a big hill to climb but on the bright side, it could be worse and I see people all the time that really have challenges to face. I think of them every time I start to feel sorry for myself, which has been less over the years.

Nice to hear from you, take care of your self.
Gary

And my reply:

Hi Gary,
Great to hear from you. The hospital I was in has therapy dogs that visit the patients. Ginger, our golden retriever was seven months old when I had a stroke in May 2007. I decided that if I could I would be one of the hospital volunteer teams. The dogs have to be two years old. So in November 2008 when Ginger turned two, we did that. Actually my wife Beth was listed as the head the first year because I was too weak.

What a difference that work has made in my life and outlook. I see people much worse off than I am, and it was easier to accept the fact that I can't fly yet. I had my CFI and would have my CFII except for the stroke a few days before I was to start that training. AARRRGGHHH!!!! Still, maybe someday.

I'll also post this on my blog, Gary. It's very therapeutic.

Bruce