MEET BROOKS
“I partied my way through three schools before marrying my high school sweetie,” Brooks says right off the bat. Raising her two successful and responsible daughters is among her greatest accomplishments. Brooks has also done quite a bit of volunteer work in the community. She was only 43 when she had her stroke.
“I have way more time to do things I love since my stroke,” Brooks says matter-of-factly. “More time to read, to explore family genealogy…It is also the best excuse I have not to do the laundry, clean or other household chores,” she laughs. Brooks adds that a P.T. told her early on that rehabilitation is not what you can do. “You can do anything you want; it is how you are going to do it that is the challenge.” She reaffirms that this is her experience.
Brooks loves physical therapy at RMSC. She learned one-hand knitting and knits with others in the group regularly. She is especially focused on trying to walk more steadily and to regain some use of her left arm. “Oh, and I look forward to riding more roller coasters!”
“I would tell others that having a stroke does not have to be devastating…Mine has taught me to slow down and …enjoy people more.”
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