Hi. It took about 2 years to recover (I went to occupational therapy, and stumbled through 18 months), and then I was able to have a very high functioning life. I can exercise to full exertion, I had a very normal pregnancy, and am overall doing physically well. I'm very very very lucky.

There are still gaps in memory. My friends, since this essay was published, have told me how they visited in the weeks and months following my stroke, and I am floored by how I don't recall their visits, whatsoever. Like, nada. But I know I felt their love, so there is that.

Again--thank you all for the amazing response to my essay. I am overwhelmed in the best way. We writers don't get a lot of kudos, so when the love does come around, it matters very very much. I know it holds me through the darkness and keeps me going. So, thank you for keeping me going!