April 17, 2012
Thank you, Luanna, for letting my readers know about what I’m dealing with in my life. Actually, it isn’t just me alone. It’s my extended family, friends and clients who are dealing with my stroke as well.
When Luanna contacted you three weeks ago (see below), I was in the hospital. Now I am at home, but return to the hospital every day for 2 to 3 hours of outpatient intensive rehabilitation. I now get around with a walker, can dress myself and climb stairs. It might not seem like much, but considering that on February 29th, the right side of my body was completely paralyzed, the progress I’ve made is huge…
I’m creating this update using voice-to-print software, because I don’t yet have enough control in my right hand to write or use the keyboard. I expect it will be a few more weeks before I can write new newspaper and magazine articles. However, I have asked Luanna to publish on my website over the next few weeks articles which I wrote shortly before my stroke. You will receive notice whenever there’s a new one posted.
I have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love, best wishes, prayer and material help from you my readers and from friends and family. When I occasionally feel down, I pick up the stack of cards you sent or read through the e-mails you sent. I usually shed a few tears as I remind myself that you are with me. Thank you, thank you.
Sincerely,
Neill
March 27, 2012
Dear…
My name is Luanna Rodham and I am Dr. Neill’s assistant. Dr. Neill suffered a stroke about 3 weeks ago. He is in rehabilitation and keeping his spirits up. It may be a while before he is able to continue his posts. He wanted me to let you know that he appreciates all your comments and support you’ve given him through the years.
Sincerely,
Luanna
Luanna@LuannaRodham.com
In Behalf of:
Dr. Neill Neill
250-752-8684
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Dr. Neil,
I am very sorry to hear that you suffered a stroke. The positive is that you are progressing to regain your health. Take care of yourself first and don’t try and do too much too soon. Please know that God takes care of those who help others as you do. I will keep you in my prayers.
Libby
Voice to print software-how interesting. Technology is amazing. Delighted to hear from you and thrilled with your progress. Thanks Dr Neill Neill for your many wonderful emails.
Stephanie MSc., P.Geo., PHRAM (Cert.)
Hello Dr. Neill,
I am so happy to hear from you and that you are indeed making progress in your recovery. Even though the road back is grueling and you may be naturally experiencing some very low times, please know that there are many out here who are thinking about and praying for you. Your thoughtful, insightful, down-to-earth wisdom has touched many lives, especially women like myself who have benefited from your publications and are “in a happier place”. You still have much to give, and those who have “walked the walk” have earned much credibility when reaching out to others with compassion and professional skill. So,thank you and please continue to get better. Marian RN, MSN (certified advanced practice psychiatric nurse)
Hello Dr Neill,
It is great to hear of your determined approach to recovery after such a blow as a stroke. I am sure that you will continue to reach out to others by sharing your experiences so helping us to face like problems when they in turn visit us.
My husband was an abuser of alcohol for many years and thanks to the material I found from your site to share with him he has finally faced the fact that he has a serious problem and must deal with it. He has stopped drinking, cold turkey and has been sober for 4 months to date. Our lives are so changed by this and we are grateful. God bless you in your life and may good health return to you soon to stay.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
Dr. Neil:
I wish I could do for you as much as you have done for me and others, you gave me hope and fortitude and I will keep you in my prayers.
Hi Neill
I have been thinking of you often and send my love and sincere wishes that you are back to your old self very soon. No doubt you have received many, many such messages. You have met so many challenges in your life and this is just another for a man who has overcome them all. If there is anything at all that I could do to assist you, please have Luanna email me, or give me a call. I am here.
All the best
John
Dr Neil, I pray that you will have a speedy and complete recovery.
Dear Dr. Neill,
I pray for a steady unfolding of your recovery and that you feel better with each passing day. You tried to help my friend years ago and he knows that – he will also say a prayer for you. I am sure there are a lot of people that you may not even remember that are wishing the very best for you.
Dear Dr.
This would be my first notice of your webpage. I was taken back by the fact that you have recently had a stroke and are still functioning on your website. Amazing! That is certainly God-given. I speak of God, He is my strength, but we all know that God works in his own time. I can’t hear God speaking to me, and I need someone that I can hear.
I have been married to a man for 29 years, a wonderful, giving, loving man. I also had 3 children from a previous marriage, that live exclusively with their father. You see my husband created havoc anytime my young sons would come visit us. I let it slip by…..he drank…he drank… and he worked….did I mention he was a wonderful husband? He stopped drinking once for about 4 years, life was great, even though my young sons were not with Me. What I noticed was that he had replaced the Booze for Pain Pills, and LOTS of them. So then he started drinking again, AND taking the pain pills as well.
I called his physicians, I called Detox centers, I was on the internet Begging for help. This man that I loved and cherished had become a monster. He never hit me, but the words that he spoke to me felt like it. I went to work every day, I followed him when he wanted to move again, I signed papers when he wanted to buy ANOTHER NEW car……and then I woke up and realized that it was now my turn to be around my now grown up children and grandchildren. He agreed saying that he wanted that as well; a promise was made somewhere in the agreement that he would not drink anymore, especially around my kids/grand kids.
Apparently, I believed it because we moved lock/stock and barrel to Michigan. Almost immediately, and I say that because we never even got out of the state we were living in before, he was driving down the freeway with a drink in his hand. That’s the way it’s been for the past 3 years. He agreed to Detox last year, was there 10 days, discharged himself and stood on the corner waiting for me to pick him up. Yes, I’m a enabler, we bought a house with every penny we had saved. I have al ot of furniture and STUFF. I work part time. He’s on social security. He had withdrawn EVERY Little penny we’ve had in the bank, and took our only vehicle and took off drunk and left me. …..and came back.
His kids don’t want him, his sister doesn’t want him, and I know regretfully, don’t want him. He won’t help himself; and I now regretfully, don’t want him. He won’t help himself. He has become verbally abusive to me both in front of people and just me alone. He accuses me of being a drama queen when I have to take him to the hospital. (which is where is is right now). How can you leave a 70 old man, or send him on his way? Do I just wait until he finally just dies and go on with my life, I’m 62. Or do I just ride out the storm. I don’t know where to go, who to talk to. I’ve tried to go the Al-anon groups, but most of them really don’t seem to have an issue like this or theirs have been solved, by way of a relinquishing spouse. My question do I leave him, make all the payments we have, cause he won’t/