At first I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. It was a stroke. My feline neighbor friend Penny finally reported the news to me this afternoon. The other day when I saw the flashing lights and heard the sirens, it was for her person Rose. Her person Rose had a stroke.
I don’t know much about these things. Except that when I don’t know much about things I am more likely to fear them. Not this time. I decided this time would be different. Just because I don’t understand what this stroke business is about will not keep me from finding the silver lining. Which, in this case, is pretty obvious.
Relief. From the ground up, it swiftly overcame my fear. Rose is sick. She is in the hospital, and will be for some time. But she is there to get better. She is there to recover. And while she does, I find myself contemplating life’s most basic questions.
Because we never know. We never know when our last day might be. It certainly puts things into perspective when you think that way. If you knew it was your last day, what would you do differently? How would you spend the time? Who would you be with? To some it might seem morbid to contemplate these things. To me it seems sensible. Motivational even.
“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today,” suggested American actor James Dean. I don’t think its a coincidence this insight came from an actor fans agree died too young.
Unlike him, Rose has lived a long and full life. She has children and grandchildren and joy from all kinds of sources. Today she shared her joy with me.
Sure, at first I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. It was devastating news that dear Rose had suffered from something serious enough to keep her away from Penny for so long. But she lived. And she will go on living. Sometimes we need a good punch in the stomach to remember just how precious a gift life really is.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Amen. Praying and hoping the best for Rose.
Thank you!!! Nice to hear from you!
You bet, Wiley…
Life is so precious..
Here’s to a great recovery for Rose
xoxoxo
Thank you friend! Good to hear from you!
Again Mr Wiles, you are so right, we always need a kick in the bum to realise agai nhow precious life is. Things happen and we come to realise about life. I think we do need these reminders otherwise we take too many things for granted. I do hope Rose will get better and be able to live at her home again after hospital and look after Penny.
Enjoy every minute of life Wiles, Every moment is precious!
A kick in the bum! Hehe, friend, you make me smile. Joking aside, you’re right about this reminder that every moment is precious.
Lots of love,
Wiles
Mom and I said some prayers for Rose and everyone (furry and not furry) who love her, especially Penny. xoxo
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I am in such good company with my prayers. Thank you, dear friends!
Lots of love,
Wiles
strokes are scary my momwithoutpaws had a friend who had a stroke and while she was going through therapy she had another stroke on the other side, she came out doing fine. Amazing and resilient…Paws in Prayer
It is scary…though like you said, people do overcome these strokes often. Paws in prayer mean a lot. Thank you!
Wiles
here’s to rose and her road to recovery. ) beth
Aw, thanks friend.
Wiley, I’m glad Rose will live and I wish all the best for your neighbors Rose and Penny. I agree with you, sometimes it needs a punch to remember that life is a gift.
Thank you for your well wishes, and your love. Both go a long way.
I am sorry to hear that!
Me too…she will be okay we hope.
I’ll be thinking of her!!
I’m sorry about your friend, Rose, but hope Rose’s health improves. It must be hard for Rose and Penny to be apart, but I’m thinking that coming home to Penny is one of the things that will keep Rose reaching towards recovery. Wishing good wishes and good health to Rose.
You were right about their reunion – it brought joy to all parties. As it should be. Thanks for the well wishes – I was sure to pass them along!
Lots of love,
Wiles