Greetings,

Welcome to the Annual Creative Writing Issue of StrokeNet. Each February most of our regular contributors take a break and readers submit their creative writings. As usual, I really enjoyed reading everyone's entry. Unfortunately, we do not have room to publish everything which was submitted.

The selections below include both stroke and non stroke related entries. Writings include both poetry and prose. Some are humorous. Some reflect on the stroke experience. One gives advice. Many give hope.

Thanks to everyone who submitted.

An addition to the newsletter this month is a link at the top of this email to read the newsletter online. Those who still receive the text only version will find the newsletter easier to read online. If the does not work immediately wait a day or two.

This month several people have emailed me that they are unable to enter the message board because they no longer know their userid and/or password. If you click to Login you may enter either your userid or email address. You will be emailed the data you need to login.

If you have any problems, select Contact By Email at the top of the screen. Fill in the form and you will receive info. Or, click Live Help Online. If you still have problems send me an email.

If you are a reader of this newsletter, but do not belong to our organization, please consider joining. It is free, and there are lots of great people to meet.

Enjoy the February newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights
Stroke Network News By Steve Mallory This month Steve reports on Staff changes. He also reminds everyone of The Stroke Network bookshop. A link is provided. Click to Read Steve's Remarks... Steve is Founder and CEO The Stroke Network Contact Steve at smallory@strokenetwork.org

Morning Glory
By Lisa Stump Lisa penned this poem as an ode to a Morning Glory. The Morning Glory has something to teach everyone. What a great way to begin this series of writings! Click to Read

But, You Look so Good
By Lea Augustine Hearing the comment "But, You Look so Good" caused Lea to reflect on what it means to have a stroke. Lea shares what she is thankful for. Check out what she thinks is the key to stroke recovery. Click to Read

Does He Know...
By Kathleen Cockran Kathleen wrote this poem about her father who had a stroke at 86. Like many family members she wondered how much he understood about his condition. Click to Read

Sunshine
By Deborah Odell Deborah wrote this poem reflecting on her stroke. Sometimes simple things like sunshine can make a difference. Click to Read

A Christmas Story
Claud and Claus By Cleo Hutton Cleo shares a short story. Sometimes the grumpiest people come through for others. Click To Read

Don't Forget to Plant Your Seed

By Jan Johnson

Jan reflects on how planting flowers was never her forte, but she now plants a different kind of seed.

Click to Read

After My Stroke
By Jim Underwood Jim reflects on stroke. How has stroke improved your life? Click to Read

Home, Tweet Home
By Kathy Saul Kathy spins a tale of fall in the northeast US. Click to Read

Thorns among the Roses

By Joy Dumnoi

Joy writes about discovering Thorns Among the Roses

Click to Read

My Husband's Hands
By Sheri Taylor Bockelman Sheri reflects on her husband's hands. Not only are they a thing of beauty, but are versatile. Click to Read

My Pink Balloon
By Eleanore Kane Eleanore reminds us that sometimes in spite of troubles, the world seems a wonderful place. Do you have a pink balloon today? Click to Read

Stroke as a Thief
By Kevin Granger Kevin is the husband of Sue, a stroke survivor. He describes the stroke as files which have been disorganized Click to Read

Speaking your Mind
By Fred King Fred reminds readers not to take their health for granted. Speak up and ask questions! Click to Read

Swirl
By Shirley Champico Cruz Shirley writes about being in the midst of swills. What swills are around you? Click to Read

Hope
By Henry Evans Henry shares a poem on Hope. Click to Read

The Stroke
By Lillianne Carr Stroke can change one's world. Lillianne shares her experience in this poem. Click to Read

Prayer for a New Beginning
By Leah Fileman It is fitting that the last entry in this series is about asking for a new beginning. Stroke ends many things in life, but also beacons to something new. We thank Leah for reminding us of this. Click to Read

Member Celebrations

Description: Description: Description: Bios Pix Birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries
Compiled By Nancy Fiduk

The Stroke Network congratulates all members who celebrate a birthday or stroke anniversary this month. Click below to see the birthdays and anniversaries we have on file for this month.

Click to Read Celebrations...

Contact Nancy at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org

Each month members' birthdays, which they have placed in their message board profile, are listed.

To add your birthday, go to My Controls on the Message Board. Look for Personal Profile on the left of the screen. Select Edit Profile Information. Enter both your birthdate and your interests.

To locate My Controls from the home page of the Message board, http://www.strokeboard.net, select Member Links, My Controls.

If you would like your stroke anniversary listed, send to the the Celebrations Monitor at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org. Be sure to include your userid and the month, day and year of the stroke. If you are not the survivor, please include the survivor's first name and your relationship. For example: Bill, husband.

Contents may not be reprinted without the organization's permission. Please contact the editor.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is sponsored by The Stroke Network, Inc. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information should not be considered as personal advice.

Readers should not rely solely on our newsletter information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. The Stroke Network works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, contact the newsletter editor.

This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. The Stroke Network does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there.

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The Stroke Network, Inc. | P.O. Box 492 | Abingdon | MD | 21009