Sunday 4th February

Shirley writes to friends by email:

Dear All,

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes. I've asked Peter to send you this message, as I am still in hospital.

My stroke was caused by a blood clot, not a bleed, which apparently is good. I am making steady progress, but still cannot walk unaided. I am told that I will regain full use of my left leg and arm, but it is taking longer than I had hoped, and they won't let me home until I can walk safely on my own, climb stairs etc.

I never knew so many people loved and cared about me. The prayers are a real tonic.
This scare has made me realise the need to slow down. I want to do less sewing and upholstering and to concentrate more on less energetic things like study and being a catechist (and dieting!!!)

I'm surrounded by nurses who are more than nurses, they are angel in disguise. I'm sittin he helpless and feeling sorry for myself, unable to walk even a few steps without the help of two physiotherapists on either side of me. The patience they have is beyond their duty.

It is frustrating to watch 80 year olds (and even a 92 year old) walking abou, and having noone my own age (other than nurses) to have a conversation. I'm in a bay where three of the other patients have senile dementia. Please pray for me, and for them too, especially Gladys who has no one in the world other than the nurses to care for her. Being in here makes me feel very humble and I feel very fortunate I've had only a mild stroke compared to the majority on this stroke ward who are in a far worse state than myself.

My consultant thought I must be from some religious order as I am surrounded by the documents of Vatican II, the Catechism, the General Instruction on the Roman Missal and several other volumes whihc are strewn across my bed. Over my bed I have more than 100 cards, loads of flowers, and even a Pope John Paul II teddy bear watching over me. With all this help how can I posibly not get better.

I'm looking forward to going to Maryvale for the next residential. I can't drive now for a while, but I'm sure Peter will escort me to Maryvale. I look forward to seeing you all again.

Thanks again for your prayers,


Shirley