As I mentioned, David and I took about a two mile walk at Brushy Creek Lake Park. This was great on many levels. It was wonderful to give David a break, get outside and get fresh air and sun, get the blood flowing (I may not have to work to roll the chair but there was lots of chair dancing), show him places I like to be, reminisce about walks and kayak trips I have done, and meet Valerie.

We were walking by the sports complex when I sent David down to check out the creek and wildlife. I went ahead just past the other end of that side trail to wait and did my usual deep recline with feet raised to offload my butt and back while waiting for him. I believe it was the very first person to walk by who stopped to ask if I was okay. I said I was and she asked if it was okay for her to know why I am in a power wheelchair.

As may be obvious to my dear readers, I am more than happy to be open and tell my story. I told of my brain surgery, series of strokes, complete immobility, diagnosis (let me say it again: one in a billion!), rehabilitation, re-hospitalization, return to home and current rehabilitation. She shared a little about her troubles in life. I talked about how embracing Buddhism meant a lot to me and I am learning from it. And, of course I pitched my blog and book idea. She was near tears for much of the conversation and took note of my blog. Valerie, I hope you are reading!

Here is my current draft elevator pitch for the book (timed in my home elevator):

It’s about learning to experience joy when life is awful as illustrated by Rob’s experiences after surviving at least 10 strokes caused by a rare fungal meningitis Life is odto be told in a book.

Life is often out of our control and suffering can teach us to experience joy nonetheless.

Valerie thinks it should be called “Perseverance”. I have been using the. working title “Embracing Joy” stolen shamelessly from my church’s mission statement since I was on the committee that crafted it:

Embrace Joy

Enrich Connections

Encourage Growth

Empower Dreams

Rachel and David suggested “Finding Joy” or “Seeking Joy” emphasizing my part in the process.

What do you think?