MEET GARLAND
Garland is the cut-up in the group. He jokes with everyone. “Garland takes care of us,” say his colleagues in art therapy class. In fact, Garland says that one of the ways that having a stroke has changed his life is that he has made new friends. “Being here at RMSC has been a Godsend to me. Coming here is the highlight of my life,” he adds, his face full of smiles.
Art gives Garland confidence “and excitement,” he says. Some of his work is on display as part of the ongoing art exhibition at the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center. Once a year, the organization hosts a sale of the work created by stroke survivors enrolled in the program.
Garland can walk a little with a walker. He considers getting out of the wheelchair one of his greatest accomplishments. He likes to dance, too. “I have some sleezy moves,” he jokes as he wiggles to the music in the music therapy classes.
Originally from North Carolina, Garland came to Colorado and worked as an electronics technician for the Federal Aviation Agency and pursued electronics and aviation until he had a stroke at age 56. It has been 15 years since that day in July.
The advice he offers to others who have experienced stroke is powerful. “It is not the end. You can get around if there is a will…You think you are lost forever, but you are really just beginning.”
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