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From Shattered to Strength

This represents the focus on building a support system and finding a safe space during the recovery journey. The blue piece s

Hi I'm Lewis

The color pink signifies individuality and strength, and the completion of a personal journey that is "Beyond Shattered". It

A picture of me 1.5 years before my brain aneurysm ruptre at the glass Sky Walk over looking the Grand Canyon.

One October day in 2012

life as I knew it changed forever. A sudden brain aneurysm struck, leaving me in a coma for a month and a half and with significant disabilities and ataxia (not cool). My future was shrouded in uncertainty, and the path to recovery seemed daunting.

But here's the thing

I refused to be defined by this setback. With tremendous determination, I embarked on a challenging journey of healing. It was a puzzle – one I gradually put back together, piece by piece. Countless hours of therapy and the support of loved ones became my lifeline as I navigated this storm.

I had to relearn basic skills

like feeding myself, writing, talking, walking-everything! (Tasks most take for granted). Slowly, I regained my strength and found my voice again.

Even today, challenges remain

Reading is difficult due to double vision, and writing requires extra effort because of both vision issues and limited fine motor control. For four years, I relied on a wheelchair (I'm out now, thank God). But ataxia (balance, coordination), dysarthria, and double vision are constant companions.

A single, red puzzle piece stands alone. This represents the initial moment of the stroke recovery journey, a solitary starting point where the path ahead is uncertain. The color red symbolizes the raw, intense challenges and emotions at the onset of this experience. It is like the first step on a long climb.

Day 1

Ruptured brain aneurysm in my cerebellum, the

it controls:

"Mini-Brain"

Fine Motor Functions
Sensory Processing
Speech and Attention
Vision and Eye Movement

Yea, I might need that stuff...

6 week coma

"A representation of a stroke survivor's journey, which includes a 1.5 month induced coma in the ICU on a ventilator after a brain aneurysm rupture in the cerebellum, a moment where life felt like it was shattered into pieces."

The initial red piece is followed by a single black puzzle piece. This signifies the early stages of acknowledging the challenges and the uncertainty, loss and confusion that come with a life-changing event. The color black can represent the initial shock and the feeling of being lost in the rubble. It also represents a time of disorientation where the world feels muted.

"Image depicting the first day of rehabilitation for a stroke survivor after undergoing brain surgery. This marks the start of a long and challenging recovery journey, working to regain lost abilities."

Welcome to rehab...

This is my first day of my 9 month stay at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute This is where I did my in-patient Physical Therapy

#Rehabilitation #PhysicalTherapy

#TimeToWork

The line of puzzle pieces now includes the red and black pieces, followed by a single green puzzle piece. This symbolizes the beginning of hope and growth, with a focus on accepting the new reality and exploring the emotional landscape of recovery. The green piece also indicates the start of sifting through the fragments of life and sorting them out.

Laughter is the best medicine...

I am a giant goofball, glad I still have my humor

#Let'sMakeRecoveryFun #KeepCalmandRecoverOn
#YouGotThis!

"Image of a stroke survivor showing a playful side 2.5 years after their stroke. This highlights the continued progress and joy in their recovery journey."

The line of puzzle pieces extends further with the red, black, and green pieces, followed by a single blue puzzle piece. This represents the focus on building a support system and finding a safe space during the recovery journey. The blue piece signifies the importance of faith, love, family, and friends as cornerstones of the rebuilding process.

stroke survivor using a walker on his wa

stroke survivor seated in his electronic stair lift chair getting ready for PT

My First Unaided Steps...

The line of puzzle pieces now includes the red, black, green, and blue pieces, followed by a single yellow puzzle piece. This indicates a shift towards focusing on the future and setting goals. The color yellow represents optimism and a newfound appreciation for life's precious moments. It marks the point in the journey where the person starts to set realistic and rewarding goals and visualize success.

Stroke survivors first steps

Stroke survivor takes his very first un-aided steps

The line of puzzle pieces is now longer, with the red, black, green, blue, and yellow pieces, followed by a single orange puzzle piece. This represents the importance of self-care and reconnecting with oneself, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. The orange piece signifies the energy and effort required for physical and mental healing, emphasizing the need to nurture all aspects of well-being. It symbolizes the understanding that recovery is an "inside job".

Stroke survivor in a scooter at the Mall Of America.

Beep Beep...

Went for a cruise through the "Mall Of America"

#AtaxiaIsLoose
#Scooter
#MOA

The line of puzzle pieces is nearly complete, with the red, black, green, blue, yellow, and orange pieces, followed by a single white puzzle piece. This signifies a newfound sense of clarity and purpose, and a recognition of personal strength gained through the journey. The white piece is a marker that progress has been made, representing a new chapter and the acknowledgement of the path taken.

Cars Cars Cars...

I used to build cool custom cars before this stroke, I can't build anymore but I can look

#ClassicCars
#CarShow
#Strokes&Cars

A proud stroke survivor stans tall with a roller walker at a car show at the The Mermaid E

The final piece, a pink puzzle piece with no words on it, is added to the end of the line, following the red, black, green, blue, yellow, orange, and white pieces. This piece represents the unique, personal, and transformative nature of the recovery journey. The color pink signifies individuality and strength, and the completion of a personal journey that is "Beyond Shattered". It signifies a new beginning and a new normal.

"Living beyond limitations: A stroke survivor achieves their goal of driving after years of rehab and 4 years of wheelchair use, showing they have gone 'Beyond Shattered' and reclaimed their independence."

The book cover for "Beyond Shattered" shows a visual metaphor of life after a stroke using a puzzle image. It conveys a message of hope, focusing on rebuilding, personal growth, and finding strength after a life-changing event. The book suggests that though life may be in pieces, it can be put back together stronger and more vibrant than before, and is a guide for others on their recovery journey.

Look Ma, No Hands!

From a coma to driving a car, I've defied the odds and emerged stronger than ever. My journey of recovery has been filled with challenges, but with God on my side, I can do anything!

To help others navigate their own paths to healing, I've written "Beyond Shattered," a book that shares my experiences and offers practical advice for overcoming adversity.

Join me as we explore the power of resilience, the importance of hope, and the joy of living life to the fullest. Together, we can shatter the limitations of stroke and build a brighter future.

My Scar and a blessed life

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