A STROKE IN PINEWOOD CHANGED MY LIFE!

Editor’s Note: This piece was originally written at the request of the local news team in Munds Park, Pinewood. As both a long-time summer resident and stroke survivor, I shared my personal journey of recovery and gratitude for the Pinewood community that supported me along the way.

My partner bought this Pinewood cabin in the late 1980’s. I retired in 2010. After renovating it that year, we’d planned to enjoy every summer in Pinewood and spend our days on our deck in the cool pines, hiking, traveling in our RV, socializing with our friends in Pinewood and Flagstaff, away from the excessive heat in Tempe. The older we get, the more the intense heat bothers us.

Pinewood offers the summer outdoor activities unavailable in the Phoenix area due to the intense heat, as well as a 6-month a respite from the ever-increasing traffic; and much more!  

It allows us to slow down and enjoy the ‘simple life!’  Farmers in the area sell their delicious fruit, vegetables bakery items, and bakery items at the weekly Pinewood Farmers’ Markets.

We enjoyed everything Pinewood had to offer during our first five summers. Then, on September 17, 2015, our ‘simple life’ changed overnight when I experienced an ischemic (blood clot) stroke.  I was alone in our cabin when it occurred. I immediately became paralyzed on the left side of my body. I couldn’t lift myself up and walk; so, I began a trek from the bedroom to the living room on my back, pushing myself with my right leg, into the living room to retrieve the phone to call “911.” 

The next thing I recall was the Pinewood Fire Department knocking on the door and asking, “Is the door was unlocked?”  Had it not been, they would’ve had to take the door off the hinges and remove it, costing life-saving time, and damage to the cabin. 

<< Later, they suggested we obtain a Lock Box from them (a simple rectangular plastic box that houses your front door key. It’s safe because they are the only ones who have the master key to unlock the box and retrieve your house key They install it on a wall near the front door for easy access. (They’re available at any city’s fire department. Some charge a fee, others don’t.)  >>

A flurry of activity ensued and before I knew it, I was riding in their ambulance to the Flagstaff Medical Center with a Fire Department paramedic named Chris who had a perfect response to my question of: “Will I make it, Chris?’  “You did all the right things, Maureen.”  

They saved my life!!!  I’ll be forever grateful to them!

I later learned why I had the stroke: 

1. undiagnosed oxygen deficiency; and 

2. uncontrolled hypertension

After a winter/spring of intense therapy in Phoenix, armed with an oxygen machine and a much-improved blood pressure medication, we returned to Pinewood the following summer to enjoy the peace and quiet, the cool weather, our wonderful neighbors, and all the wonderful things Pinewood has to offer! 

We’ve enjoyed every summer since!

What a great place to recuperate! 

Therapy continues to rehabilitate my left side. My outdoor activity has diminished enormously. That saddens me, as well as the fact that I cannot help my wonderful partner/caregiver more than I do.

In summary, I will always have HOPE of a 100% recovery; and I’m grateful for many things, primarily…living in Pinewood every summer!