Starting From Scratch

Right after surgery with Popular Photography Magazine.

Three weeks ago, I had an unfortunate mishap... After an unusually eventful week, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling odd... as if I could not control my right hand.

Waking up in a sweat, I tried to sit up, but I kept tumbling over. I started to become alarmed. I kept trying to sit upright, but I could not manage to make my body follow my will. I screamed at Anne for help!

After we both calmed down and carefully assessed my problem, we concluded that I just had a stroke... and that half my body was now paralyzed!

My brothers Ren and Reno beside me all the way.

After several weeks in ICU and a ventriculostomy, I was finally discharged from the Hospital. I am now attending Physical Theraphy to regain the use of both my right arm and my right leg.  I am lucky that I never lost control of my right-side facial muscles or have any substantial slurring of speech.

My family was always by my side to give me full support during those vulnerable days and I cannot be greatful enough for their love and support -- My wife, my children, my mother, my father, my brothers, my aunt and even my brother in law.  My brother Ren even went home from Los Angeles to be with me.

After this life-changing episode in my life, I feel as if I am starting out again from scratch.  Aside from relearning some basic skills like a baby --walking, writing and driving, I have to let-go of some highly cherished 'bad habits' like smoking (cigars and cigarettes), drinking liquor and eating fatty/greasy food.  Its as if I woke up in a PG rated lifestyle.

I have no major regrets though, since I've tried to live my life to the fullest and I have always tried to enjoy everything I did or experienced. I guess the time has just finally arrived for me to disipline myself for older age. C'est La Vie!

--Shot on the IPhone 3Gs by Anne Prado-Magadia.