September 25th, 2010

As I look back at the last time I posted on this blog - I look at the date and think {that was 4 days before "it" happened}.  You may have wondered where we've been ...

I had a Hemiplegic Migraine/ Small stroke on September 25th, 2010.  I had two photo shoots that day.  A sweet family shoot in the morning and a gorgeous Wedding that afternoon through the evening.

Typically my mom and I shoot Weddings together.  {for the last 4 months I have definitely felt "held"}.  We were asked to do two Weddings on the same day.  We talked to the brides and showed them work of other Photographers we love that would work with each of us and we all agreed that Mom and I would do the Weddings just with other 2nd photographers.  We were both excited but a little nervous never working with someone else for our shoots.  It was a great day for both of us!  Both couples are BEAUTIFUL and their love stories are sweet!  I will be posting both Weddings soon ... and the shoots from before the Hopital and since.

It has been an amazing journey.  I spent 7 days in the Hospital - with my mom and boyfriend never leaving my side and the rest of my family coming as they could.  I was paralized on the right side of my body.  I lost all of my memory for a few days - not knowing who I was, where I was, who my family, boyfriend or friends were.  I also lost the ability to speak.  Lights were too bright, noises were too loud and I slept A LOT!  I loved seeing faces that I knew.  I may not have remembered their names - but my soul KNEW they belonged to me... 

It has been almost 4 months now.  Recovery and Healing has been great!  My loved ones have put EVERYTHING into me... and my recovery.  There is no way that I can pay them back - except to live life to the fullest {which means getting back into sharing our work with you}.  Thank you for being patient - to those who have said that you follow our blog.  My goal is to get caught up on this blog and not try to do everything all at once.

I've learned the triggers for the migraines and I am on medicine.  I have learned how to say "no" and take care of myself - which I was very good at prior to the illness.  I am just about 100%.  When I do "new things" there is still a bit of "fogginess" I typically get a headache and am exaughsted ... but I push through it and do it again the next day - and am usually "normal" after a few times of trying it.

I will be driving; on my own - going back to work at the title company - and moving back to Prior Lake on February 1st.  I am also going to start blogging on my personal site {if you'd like to follow my progress there} it's http://www.suzywigstadt.blogspot.com/

Something funny... when I was in the Hospital and could understand what people were saying - but I couldn't speak, I grabbed my mom's camera and started taking pictures.  I took pictures of her - Megan - Marley - my nurse - the ceiling - me - Joel and Marzel.  I wanted everyone to know that I was going to be alright and that was the only way that I could communicate.

Through out the last 4 month I've grown {mentally} from a new born baby who could only grunt and cry for the things that I wanted to a 29 year old entering back into real life.  There have been many challenges and growth day by day.  I have experienced miracles in my life - it is overwhelming at times {in an amazing way}.

I'm so thankful for all of the support and encouragement and people challenging me to {get their Suzy back}.  I was HELD through out the whole process!  I've got a book running around in my head that I am in the process of writing down.  Many stories that make me laugh, cry and feel loved and taken care of - I hope it encourages people and makes them feel the same!

Give more than you think you can give and to love deeper than you thought you could.  Life is worth it!