Welcome to the Annual Creative Writing Issue of StrokeNet. Readers were invited to submit poetry and prose for this issue. Unfortunately we are not able to print all the entries. We thank everyone who took the time to write.

Most of the regular StrokeNet contributors are enjoying a month off. Tune in next month for their latest installments. Nancy has graciously submitted the Celebrations.

Hope everyone who lives in the northern hemisphere has noticed the days are already getting a tiny bit longer. Warm weather will be here before you know it. We have already had our first discussion about this year's garden. This month I will order seeds.

Enjoy the February newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

A Conversation with My Old Self
By Rosemary Smith Rosemary had a conversation with her Old Self (before stroke). How are you coming to terms with the changes to who you are? Click to Read

Two Poems
By Jan Tawakalna Jan contributes two poems, "You Look Okay" and "Depressed?" Each survivor struggles with personal changes and how to relate to the world. Click to Read

You're an Inspiration to Me
By Lea Augustine Lea was challenged by a new member of her aquatherapy class. She simply say, "You are an inspiration to Me." That was a new idea! Click to Read

Sleep Walking
By Chuck Hofvander Chuck relates a funny story about sleepwalking before his stroke. Click to Read

The F Word
By Eleanore Kane Eleanore has found a four letter word beginning with F, which strikes fear into many a stroke survivor - fall. Click to Read

Bare
By Tanya Frijmersum Tanya shares a poem she wrote because of global warming. But, it is relevant to other situations. Click to Read

The Pinecone and the Snowflake
By George Gradek A pinecone blowing across a blanket of snow causes George to reflect on the nature of trees. Click to Read

Three Poems
By Linda J. Nudel Linda shares three poems, "Good Morning World," "Look," and "Thank You." Click to Read

Stroke Survivor's Prayer
By Eileen Shryock Eileen shares a Stroke Survivor's Prayer. Click to Read

Member Celebrations

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

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.

To submit an article email the editor.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is published and owned by The Stroke Network. 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.

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