Wisdom from readers after the death of “stroke warrior” Steve Scheible
QUINCY – A heartfelt thank you to readers who responded to last week’s column about the loss of my brother Steve Scheible, who survived a massive stroke at age 70 for 12 years and passed away June 15 at age 82.
With your words of comfort and wisdom, you have opened up new perspectives on my own situation and on life in general.
I know I sometimes find myself at a loss for words when others are going through a personal crisis. I wanted to share some of your helpful responses with you.
“I am also a stroke fighter”
“I, too, am a stroke warrior. December 16, 2009. I was only 47 years old. I was flown in on an air ambulance from Plymouth. I spent 3 weeks at Beth Israel (Medical Center) in Boston, then Spaulding (Rehabilitation Hospital) in Sandwich, Life Care Center of Plymouth and Sunrise Assisted Living in Plymouth. Five months. Hemorrhagic stroke. I believe my 47 years helped me. Like your brother, I was at People (work) when it hit me. 12 years! He was a true stroke warrior.”
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“Your brother seemed like an amazing brother and man. I also have a brother that I am very close to. He lives in another state, but we talk daily, sometimes multiple times. I hope your memories will help keep a part of him alive.”
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“How wonderful these 12 years with your brother have been. Expressing our feelings is important and necessary, and yet we must learn to let go.”
“Capture the beautiful experiences you share together”
“In the face of such a devastating medical event, Steve appears to have done his best to adjust and carry on, supported by loving family members like you and wonderful professional caregivers. I hope your memories of his kindness and the many happy experiences you shared bring you comfort during this sad time.”
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“I remember Steve, how sweet he was, very quiet. I always tried to engage him in conversation because I thought he must be lonely. We had some great conversations. I’m very close to my brother and would do anything for him too.”
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“The photos of Steve from the first years of his recovery were an inspiration to anyone who might one day find themselves in a similar situation and have to make life-defining decisions. Getting through those 12 years took tremendous courage.”
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“Your brother has endured so much over the last 12 years and yet he seemed to have a strong spirit and the will to help himself. He was lucky to have you along the way to comfort and support him. I hope the memories of his better days and your closeness will ease the pain of his loss. I can understand the love between a sister and a brother.”
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“He was clearly a fighter who enjoyed life, even after the limitations his stroke brought. It is always so difficult to lose our friends and loved ones. I hope that as time passes, you are better able to honor his memory by holding on to the joys of his life – the small and the big.”
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“That thing about losing the connection to our past is so true. That’s how I felt when my sister died.”
“We could all use Steve’s ‘equanimity’ sign”
“What a determined soul he was, getting through everything he had to go through over the last 12 years. Thank goodness he had you! I wish you a smooth recovery. And I know you will cherish all of these good memories. We could all use Steve’s ‘equanimity’ sign!”
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“Steve’s story will surely inspire others who are supporting and caring for their loved ones. The photos convey a sense that all is not lost after a catastrophic health crisis.”
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“None of us can ever know how we would handle challenges like Steve’s, but I do know that it made me think a lot about how quickly life can change and how important it is to be surrounded by good, caring people (family and professionals) who help us ‘do the best we can.'”
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“May your brother’s memory be a blessing to his family and friends.”
Reach Sue Scheible at [email protected].
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