At just 34 years old, I faced a life-altering experience when an aneurysm ruptured on the right side of my brain, resulting in a stroke on my left side and subsequent brain swelling. It’s been ten months since that fateful night, during which I underwent eight surgeries and navigated numerous complications. As I reflect on this journey, I’ve gained invaluable insights that I believe are worth sharing.
I could elaborate endlessly on the significance of family, how true friendships reveal themselves in times of crisis, and the stark reality that we are all living on borrowed time. Life can change in an instant; we ought to cherish one another more deeply, show kindness, and hold our loved ones a bit closer. Every moment counts—be it reading another story to your child, sharing a kiss, or expressing “I love you.”
As a mother to a courageous five-year-old boy, I am acutely aware of how my sudden collapse affected him. He witnessed my battle firsthand, from the lows of recovery to the highs of laughter and joy.
The Necessity of Being Prepared
One of the most profound lessons I learned from this ordeal is the necessity of being prepared. But how does one prepare for an aneurysm rupture or any unexpected tragedy? Unfortunately, there’s no way to foresee such events, much like one can’t predict a cancer diagnosis or an accident. However, you can provide your family with peace of mind during the worst-case scenarios.
Before my aneurysm, I was a healthy single mother with a stable job and a lovely home. My biggest concern was simply finding someone to watch my son so I could enjoy a dinner out with friends. I lacked a Living Will, Power of Attorney, or Last Will and Testament.
When my brain began to swell, emergency surgery was necessary to remove part of my skull. My family was ushered into a private room where doctors expressed uncertainty about my survival. At that moment, they faced harrowing questions: What about my bills? How would I want to be laid to rest? What would happen to my belongings? What would become of my son, Jamie?
Fortunately, I survived, and those questions remained unanswered by my family. However, after a serious complication in February 2019, I took proactive measures. I established a Living Will, appointed a Power of Attorney, and created a Last Will and Testament. Now, I have peace of mind knowing my son will be cared for, and my family won’t have to face those devastating decisions.
An Urgent Message to Parents
To all parents, my urgent message is to prepare yourselves. It doesn’t matter if you are a single parent, co-parenting, or part of a couple; whether you are in your 20s, 30s, or beyond; whether you see your doctor regularly or have substantial savings. Preparation is crucial. I once thought legal documents like a Power of Attorney and Last Will were only for the wealthy, but I now understand they are essential for anyone who wants to spare their loved ones from unnecessary heartache.
I urge you to consult a trusted lawyer or explore online resources to secure these important documents. Remember, family and true friends are everything. Love each other fiercely, show kindness, and savor those small moments. We are all on borrowed time, so read that extra bedtime story, steal that extra kiss, and share one more “I love you” before saying goodnight.
Further Reading
For more insights, take a look at our other blog posts, like the one on the at home insemination kit. If you’re curious about fertility topics, be sure to visit this authority on the subject. Additionally, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my experience taught me the critical need for preparedness, the importance of family and friendships, and to cherish every moment of life. The unexpected can happen to anyone, and being ready can make all the difference.