UPCOMING RESOURCES in this BLOG

 

Continue the Journey Beyond the Book

Strokes Happen: Living Life As Is is more than just a collection of chapters—it is a gateway to an ongoing community of support, practical adaptation, and shared experiences. We have built an interconnected network of digital spaces where you can access free tools, watch helpful visual guides, and connect with fellow survivors and caregivers.

Explore the resources below to get the most out of your recovery journey:

1. The Central Hub & Community Blog

Visit strokeshappen.blogspot.com, our dedicated online core for this book. This space is designed to be completely interactive. Here, you can:

• Download Special Resources: Access printable checklists, home modification layouts, and tools based on Jerry’s real-world discoveries.

• Join the Forum Conversations: Leave comments, ask questions, and share your own tips for navigating life's "new normal."

2. Visual Guides & Chapter Pointers

If you want to see these strategies in action, visit our multimedia platform at me3tv.org. Our dedicated YouTube channel carries:

• Chapter Shorts: Quick, digestible video insights summarizing the core lessons of each chapter.

• Visual Demos: Short clips highlighting specific adaptive techniques and tool pointers to make daily routines easier.

3. The Broader Creative Circle

For articles, deep dives, and creative projects that look beyond the immediate scope of stroke recovery to celebrate life, resilience, and community, explore our reciprocal partner sites:

• Buzzcreek.com: Our main website, acting as the foundation for our ongoing writing, community advocacy, and upcoming media assets. Find some links to history here. 

• wbuzz250.blogspot.com: A sister blog featuring broader reflections, stories, and updates from the authors. A current project here is series of video shorts featuring the 110 Rules of Civility by George Washington (a project from his youth - with wisdom from the ancients)

All of our sites are interconnected. Look for the dedicated sidebars and updates on any of these pages to stay up to date with new tools, future book editions, and community highlights.

Jerry’s Life & Observations

The "Unfiltered" Jerry Kelley

While this guide focuses on the practical "how-to" of stroke recovery, the "who" behind the advice is just as important. Jerry is a man of intense privacy, yet he possesses a unique brand of humor that has remained a constant during the development of this book.

Humor in the Public Eye

Often when traveling together to separate VA appointments, strangers are especially kind—opening doors or moving tables. Vic Campbell likes to keep things light, sometimes telling them, "Don't be too nice... he’ll get used to it," or even jokingly claiming, "He’s not really disabled... he just fakes it for the parking space." It usually earns a shocked look followed by a shared laugh. Jerry has fun with this "dark humor" as well; it’s his way of staying connected to the world without letting it feel sorry for him.

To those who show such kindness, they often hand out a genericvet.com card—a small token of mutual respect for citizens who recognize the challenges of life. Murals at the VA Clinic inspired these.

The "Old Sergeant" and the "Can-Do" Spirit

Jerry is a giver, not a taker. He is generous, though of small means, and exudes a "can-do" attitude that inspires others. His outlook is one of total acceptance: "It is what it is," and "I’ve had my share of good living and have no worries about the end of this life." But make no mistake—Jerry is no pushover. He has strong opinions and expects "positive motion" from those around him. If a home-care helper isn't active or thinks they are "too good" to wash a dish or take out the trash, they might find themselves on the receiving end of some very creative "poetry" from the old sergeant.

A Word to the Caregivers

The home-care industry is a tough, often low-paying field, and many young workers are new to the task. Their time with Jerry can be a "make or break" moment. For those young people putting their ego to the test with an impatient, demanding person in a wheelchair, there is a certain psychology to it. Patience doesn't always grow well in the thin bones of the elderly, but for the helpers who survive it, they leave better for the experience.

Tips for the "Untamed Elder" Professional:  1- Have a good sense of humor. 2-Check your ego at the door.  3- Remember: "Tomorrow is another day."

STROKES HAPPEN - Table of Contents

Strokes Happen: Living Life As Is

A Practical Guide to Recovery, Acceptance, and Navigating the New Normal

Dedication

Introduction: Meet Jerry Kelley

Chapter 1: The Mindset of Acceptance

Chapter 2: Keeping the Mind Active

Chapter 3: Moving Around the House and Yard

Chapter 4: Modifying Your Home Environment

Chapter 5: Dressing With One Functioning Arm

Chapter 6: Eating And Swallowing Tips

Chapter 7: Independent Meal Prep and Safety

Chapter 8: Mastering One-Handed Smartphone Tech

Chapter 9: Exercises for the Working Arm and Leg

Chapter 10: Setting Up Your Vehicle for Mobility

Chapter 11: Caregiver and Family Tips

Chapter 12: Navigating Public Spaces and Restaurants

Post-Script: Jerry’s Life & Observations

The "Unfiltered" Jerry Kelley

Humor in the Public Eye

The "Old Sergeant" and the "Can-Do" Spirit

A Word to the Caregivers