I met a legend and a stroke survivor—Kirk Douglas!
While in NYC filming for my GMA appearance, I was having dinner
with ‘my people’ (editor, publicist, and agent)—I can’t say it
without giggling—when lo and behold who walks in to the restaurant,
but Kirk Douglas. I’m one to always see signs in everything, and to
me, Kirk Douglas was the most meaningful person I could have
encountered. I don’t believe in coincidence—I believe coincidence
is in the Plan. When I originally took pen to paper for Don’t Leave Me
This Way my working title was A Stroke of Luck. Kirk Douglas beat
me to the bookstores with, My Stroke of Luck.
Of course, I couldn’t let this wonderful opportunity slip by.
I dutifully waited until he was finished with his meal to introduce
myself. I limped over to his table, introduced myself, and, while
holding his hand, then said:
“You and I joined a club that we never asked to be members of—
stroke survivors club—but I believe that we make pretty damn good
members. I am in awe that you have been such an eloquent spokesman
(yes, eloquent although his speech is impaired), because you have
proved that you are a true gladiator in life’s challenges. I hope
to pick up the torch and carry it with you.”
While in NYC filming for my GMA appearance, I was having dinner
with ‘my people’ (editor, publicist, and agent)—I can’t say it
without giggling—when lo and behold who walks in to the restaurant,
but Kirk Douglas. I’m one to always see signs in everything, and to
me, Kirk Douglas was the most meaningful person I could have
encountered. I don’t believe in coincidence—I believe coincidence
is in the Plan. When I originally took pen to paper for Don’t Leave Me
This Way my working title was A Stroke of Luck. Kirk Douglas beat
me to the bookstores with, My Stroke of Luck.
Of course, I couldn’t let this wonderful opportunity slip by.
I dutifully waited until he was finished with his meal to introduce
myself. I limped over to his table, introduced myself, and, while
holding his hand, then said:
“You and I joined a club that we never asked to be members of—
stroke survivors club—but I believe that we make pretty damn good
members. I am in awe that you have been such an eloquent spokesman
(yes, eloquent although his speech is impaired), because you have
proved that you are a true gladiator in life’s challenges. I hope
to pick up the torch and carry it with you.”
Labels: Don't Leave Me This Way, julia fox garrison, Kirk Douglas, stroke
posted by Julia Fox Garrison at 8:58 AM
4 Comments:
how cool is that? You DO have a way with words, Jules!
name dropper!
Love,
Dented BMW Convertable Driver
I just had to tell more of my story. I went to bed with a terrible headache and woke up a month later unable to move anything on my left side. I was on a respirator and a feeding tube. I couldn't even have a drink of water for fear I would choke to death.I first had to pass a swallow test. I had a drain in my head to remove the blood from the hemmorage. I spent 4 weeks in ICU. I was moved to Kesslar Institute because one doctor thought I could work hard and would improve. It took 3 people to get me out of bed into a wheelchair. The first time they stood me up in a box I just wanted to go back to bed. It was too hard to be in a vertical
position. My first steps were with as much help as you had, 3 people helping me stand and move my legs. I remembered the visits home when I just wanted to get back to the hospital where I felt safe.
I was in the hospital and rehab from Sept 16 til Dec 23. Unfortunately I fell a few times. Once I broke my shoulder and once I broke my hip. My hip was fixed with a plate and screws. Eventually the screws backed out and had to be clipped. Then my hip had to me replaced. That was 7 years ago. Now I walk with a brace and a quad cane. I use a wheelchair for any distances. I wish I had seen you on TV. You helped me remember my journey and realize how far I have come. Thank you!
Julia,
I cannot thank you enough for having the courage to battle for your rights as a patient and more importantly as a survivor of stroke. My Mother suffered a severe stroke August 21, 2006, and we are still battling demons beside her and for her even now almost seven months later. Locating your book was a Godsend as you've given me a true insight into what it wholeheartedly means to be a survivor. I couldn't have made it this far without you. Your book should be required reading for doctors, caregivers, nurses, family members, nursing home attendants and the like. I intend to read it to my Mother in the coming months. God bless you.
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