One year ago today, my life fell apart.
It started with my vision on the 27th. I was convinced that I was suffering from some sort of migraines as it became increasingly difficult for me to see. By evening it was getting worse. I figured I was tired. At 2:30 in the morning I got out of bed to go to the bathroom and my right leg was no longer functioning. Believe it or not, I just thought my knee was acting up and actually crawled around to get to the bathroom and back. It wasn’t until the morning when I went to the hospital and spiraled into my new reality: I’d had a stroke.
I spent the next two months relearning how to walk and since then have striven to return to what I used to be. A year later, my legs are still weak. My endurance is not remotely what it used to be. Once upon a time, if I went into New York City, I’d walk all over the place. Now after a few blocks I’m worn out.
And every morning I still have to test my legs to see if they’re functioning. There’s always the fear that I’m going to attempt to stand up and will hit the floor. Every day.
But I should be grateful. The fans have been almost unanimously supportive. Good wishes poured in from all over the world. Book sales skyrocketed for a little while (lately not so much; it’d be nice to see a resurgence. Just saying.) And I will never forget the ovation I received when I showed up at Farpoint convention a week after being released.
Kathleen kept everyone apprised of everything that was going on and without her continued support I know I could never hope to get back to what I was. Likewise my children and family have also been incredibly supportive. And just a few weeks ago I was back in Jacksonville where I was treated and went to lunch with Ali and Sarah, two of the women who were responsible for teaching me how to recover.
And at least I’ve had the opportunity to do so. The worst day of my recovery was the day I learned that retailer Gordon Lee had died…of a stroke. I was a mess that day, wondering what the point of my attempts to walk were. I was sure that a second stroke would come at me any time, and this one would be fatal.
Well, it’s been a year. An amazingly lousy year, but positive things have happened as well. And I’m still here. So that’s something.
PAD
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And we are all glad of it, PAD. Keep on rockin’. Best to Kath and the young’uns.
We, your fans, are also grateful for your recovery. And Kath’s updates, and your own, helped a lot of people not only follow your amazing progress, but think about, learn about strokes; the risks for having one, the signs and symptoms, what happens if it happens. Your journey has been heartening and enlightening for everyone.
I certainly hope next year is going to be much, much better. As a fan, I’m thrilled to be reading a new X-FACTOR ongoing, and any new book by Peter David.
Happy New Year and all the best in the coming year to you and your beautiful family!
~Rivka
You’re still here, and for that there is much rejoicing.
So glad you are still here and you are still standing!
I wish that the year had been less lousy for you. I hope that improvements continue and the 2014 is a very good year.
May you continue to recover in 2014.
David
I have photos of you and my brother all over the place, he died three years ago, and each morning I wake up to see you two. You were an inspiration to him and I hope that he is up there watching out for you. It angers me that this comic business is not beneficial to you creators forever, your comics can sell for thousands but you are down and out. Dan Frazier buys comics from me and his Dan’s Dreams is working to help raise money for the hero initiative and after reading this I will help Dan more. Your in my prayers Stephen Jahners sister.
Glad to see you’re doing better. I’ve already bought and read all of the books you have released through Crazy8 (though I got Darkness of the Light when it was first released through Tor). I’m looking forward to helping a future surge in book sales when your new books come out. I am looking forward to Raising Stakes, Order of the Chaos, and especially Pyramid Schemes.
There are other ways to help. Everytime you buy something from amazon.com you can get to their website through the link in this page. The referal fee this site gets is smaller than if you buy the specific product announced here but thit is better than nothing. Also amazon lets you send e-books as gifts. We all know a potential future PAD fan.
Given the less frequently posts on your blog, Peter, I’m always glad when there’s a new one, and I’m glad that you’re here with us. I didn’t realize that your ability to walk has diminished so, but I understand; my own father cannot stand or walk for long periods himself. I hope you and your family had a festive Chanukah, and that you all have a safe and Happy New Year.
Btw, I’m enjoying Fearless. Kudos to both you and Caroline.
We were all worried, PAD, though I’m sure none more so than you and Kath. Very, very glad that you came through it all as well as you did — and who knows, the endurance may come back as well, just more slowly!
So, though it may not be an anniversary you’d be inclined to celebrate — have a happy one anyway!
Here’s hoping that your post next year will tell of an equally dramatic improvement. Glad you are still with us, sir.
It’s so good to know you’re getting better. My father got through something similar this year and it’s awful how much things change, those tiny bits of life we normally don’t notice, almost as if our world stopped while everybody else’s keeps moving on. But it also is important to keep on, to not let life get the better of us. I can’t wrote anything you haven’t so my point is that you have people who cares, people who you’ll never meet but who care and send their support. It really makes me happy to know you’re better and I, like many other, will keep on supportig your published work not just for the sake of support but because we really like it.
Hang in there–we’re with you!
I’ve recently been through a bit of a wringer myself, and especially at this time of year, I’m reminded of one of my favorite songs, with lyrics that are at once sad, reminiscent, hopeful, and a reminder to not put off the things you want to do “some day”:
It’s been a long December,
And there’s reason to believe,
Maybe this year will be,
Better than the last.
I can’t remember,
All the times I tried to tell myself,
To hold onto these moments,
As they pass.
And it’s one more day up in the canyon,
And it’s one more night in Hollywood,
It’s been so long since I’ve seen the ocean,
I guess I should.
– Counting Crows, “Long December”
Sorry to hear about the past year, best wishes for the next, embrace your life and live it with all the vigor you can muster, and don’t wait.
We’re all rooting for you. Best of luck!
Everyone has already said it, but continued well-wishes sent your way. We all want the best for you. May you have a better New Year.
I speak for all your fans (not to mention family and friends) when we say how glad we are you’re still with us — and doing as well as you are. Here’s to a new year that’s even better!