Finding Your Cornerstones
- Lewis Bartelle
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
The Unshakeable Foundation for Stroke Recovery
Hey friends, Lewis here. This journey is simply impossible to navigate alone. As the saying goes, "it takes a village," and after a stroke, that village becomes your lifeline—your Core Support System.
When my world was abruptly shattered by a brain aneurysm, I wasn't just dealing with physical deficits; I was dealing with a shaky, uncertain future. It felt like the ground had dropped out from under me. And yet, I found stable ground in the people and beliefs that were always there.
I want to share with you what I call the Cornerstones: the unshakeable foundation you need to start putting your shattered life back together.
A cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation; it is the most essential, load-bearing piece. Without it, the entire structure would collapse. In recovery, your Cornerstones are those people and beliefs that bear the immense weight of your trauma with you.
Here are the four pillars that formed the Core Support System that I believe every stroke survivor needs:
1. Faith (or Your Belief System)
This is the foundation that anchors your spirit when logic fails you. Whether your faith is spiritual, philosophical, or simply a deep-seated belief in the human spirit to overcome, it provides the "why" and the hope needed to push forward.
For me, my faith was the one thing that remained solid when my body and mind felt betrayed. It was a miracle I was still breathing after this, It gave me the perspective that this journey. However hard, had a purpose and thank God it wasn't the end of my story.
2. Love (The Constant Force)
Love isn't just an emotion in recovery; it's a constant, active force. This is the solid belief and commitment from a partner, spouse, or even a cherished pet. Love is what gets you through the darkest nights and reminds you of your worth when your symptoms are telling you otherwise.
It is the patience and care of those closest to you that transforms your recovery from a lonely sentence into a shared mission.
3. Family (The Architects of Your New Life)
Your immediate family often steps up to become the architects of your new life. They manage the logistics, the appointments, the insurance, and the daily care that you can no longer manage alone. They absorb the pressure and create a secure environment where you can focus on healing.
This takes extraordinary effort. It is their commitment that ensures the rest of your structure—your life—has a chance to stand tall again.
4. Friends (The Pillars of Normalcy)
Your true friends are the ones who don't let the stroke define you. They are the ones who show you a slice of normalcy when your world is consumed by therapy and doctors. They push you (gently!), celebrate your smallest wins, and never treat you like a victim.
They become your essential connection to the person you were before, reminding you of the humor, interests, and vitality that still exist within you. These people will also help you become the new person you are transforming into.
The Stroke/Puzzle Metaphor
Think of your life before the stroke as a finished, beautiful puzzle. The stroke was a blast that scattered all the pieces, damaged some, and made the original picture unrecognizable.
You cannot put that puzzle back together on a shaky table. You need a solid, load-bearing surface—that is your Core Support System. These Cornerstones—Faith, Love, Family, and Friends—are the stable ground you need to count on when the rest of your world is shaking.
They give you the stability to pick up those shattered pieces and begin rebuilding a new, stronger picture. I needed OT work for my shaky fingers in the beginning (still do a bit, so building this puzzle and sharing it with you all, is something that makes those months to put it together makes me so happy now.
I love you all!
Final Thoughts
No one gets through this alone. If you feel isolated, look to your Cornerstones. They are your unshakeable foundation, providing the patience, the logistics, and the superpowers you need to push forward.
To truly honor those who support you, you must match their effort. Taking ownership of your journey is the ultimate act of respect for their sacrifice. They spend their time and energy to help us, show them results! Read our guide - The Hustle: Why Recovery is an Inside Job to learn how to do your part.
Who is a Cornerstone in your life that you want to recognize today? Share their story in the comments below!
