Strokes are a terrible thing. Reading what I read about them all over the internets I find that each word becomes heavier then the last. The implications of what I’ve experienced and how small they once looked compared to now is just the start of my struggle in understanding where I am in this great big picture of life.
As they say, heavy stuff man.
I’m physically no worse than when I stepped out of the hospital but mentally I’m struggling along with my body who seemingly thinks it’s been through some kind of nerve and brain trauma. I’ve asked my body numerous times what’s the real story but so far it’s not spoken the answer back to me.
I had a struggle of a time today getting used to a new phone with a new keypad. There were several moments where I struggled to know where the letter was that I was looking for and it shook my soul a little. I’ve now come to understand the stroke was a lightweight punch compared to the heavier cousins and uncles the heavier hitting strokes are and have realized how lucky I am and just how thankful I should be knowing all this.
I won’t let this beat me. There are stories around the internets and forums that talk of depression, second strokes and loss of everything that made that person who they were. I’ll type it out again for extra added effect. I will not lose. I cannot lose. I am too young to die. Too young to lose the ability to imagine the worlds beyond and create them in words and sound. Too young to be unable to teach the future and minister to the hearts around me. I am too young.
I will not let this make me who I am. I am still Aaron DeLay and I will not yield to this disease. I am a survivor, not a victim.
And yes, I’m so singing Destiny’s Child, “I’m a Survivor” right now. Stuff it. 
