SCARE

I had a scare last night:

I spent a lot of my Wednesday at home because I felt a sharp spike entering the top left side of my head and going out near my ear. I don't know what that feels like, but that description was all I could imagine.

That night, I went to the grocery store with Stacey. She drove to the grocery store because she had gotten to her car first, so we didn't take mine. We drove off. I realized it was an excellent idea that we did not take my car because, riding in the car, I had no idea where we were going or where we were.

I walked with my wife to the grocery store in the parking lot, wondering if I would do a face-plant in my Birkenstock sandals. My left leg would not work. I even went to rub my eyes with my left hand in, and I didn't even notice my hand up near my face. We took two grocery carts once we got in the front door, so I had something to use as a walker. I was sent to the opposite side of the store to pick up a couple of things.

Walking to the opposite side of the store, closing one eye while walking to garner better vision, I felt like I was being sent to Siberia to buy cream cheese. After the seemingly two-hour trek, I met my wife in the middle of the store, who also sent me back to that area to buy sour cream. My first thought was oh my gosh, I have to walk all that way again. I was curious to know if I would make it. When returning to get the sour cream, I thought about calling my son to come and pick me up. For whatever reason, I didn't want to tell my wife and scare her.

I had no idea where I was or why I was standing upright.

Stacey paid for the groceries, as I had forgotten my wallet. I stood there waiting patiently, trying not to say anything or look at anyone. I had yet to learn what we were doing.

We returned to the car without me falling face-first in the parking lot. That was a feat. I put a few things in the car, but Stacey put everything in the car while I sat in the front seat, wondering what was happening. We drove home in silence. I carried a few things in and placed them in the kitchen, then went straight to my bed, laid down, and fell asleep for the night. I wasn't terribly sure I would wake up.

This morning, I woke up just fine.

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AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

Stroke Symptoms:

• NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech

• TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes

• TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause