M y dad strongly encourages others that, "if it's possible, don't even risk being in my situation in the first place. Go to the ER if you think you're having a medical emergency." My dad admits that he had symptoms for a few days before the stroke that he didn't pay much attention to. His initial symptoms included: dizziness, nausea, drooling, confusion, blurry eyes and coordination issues while driving. The night before his stroke he was unable to properly swallow a pill and had slight facial drooping. My mom actually referred to a magnet on our fridge that had the F.A.S.T test to see if he was having a stroke. F.A.S.T stands for Facial weakness and/or drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems, and

Time to call 911. That last step happened almost too late. My mom looked at my dad that night and was certain he was having a transient ischemic attack, also known as a mini stroke. She went to pick up our house phone to dial 911, but my dad refused. He had just landed his dream job; a job everyone told him was impossible to get. He couldn't miss a day of work or he would be fired. So, he waved my mom off and went upstairs to bed. On the surface, he seemed completely fine at that time. He woke up the next day seeming normal, even playing games with my sister and me that morning. His stroke happened later that night.

A WARRIOR'S VICTORY: (Above left) The author with her dad and sister, post stroke, at her mom-mom and pop-pop's place for family time in 2017; (Above right) The author's dad saying goodbye to his beloved truck. He was, however, able to drive again with accommodations, a little later.

My dad never ever lost his sense of humor. Even today, as he suffers from cancer, he still cracks jokes and tells hilarious stories all of the time. At the moment, walking isn't in the cards for him. However, he recently got an electric wheelchair, and has been absolutely loving it and utilizing it daily.

I ask my dad what his three biggest motivations in life are. He says, "My children, the mother of my children, and when my mom was alive, I couldn't do anything to disappoint her." He admits that there were many nights when he laid awake, worrying about how his family was handling everything, and if he would ever fully recover.

"People look at me and treat me way differently now than before," He says. I have witnessed this with my dad, many times. Some people

are extra kind and understanding, while others judge. "What people don't realize, is that I was the strongest guy out there, and that this could happen to anyone at any time. You have to be compassionate,"my dad added.

As I reflected on all of the places we have traveled to, I asked him if he thinks most places are handicap accessible. He almost immediately responded, "Not at all. All human beings should be able to go to the same store. Even when you think of cobblestone, people mean well to preserve the beauty, but it's a huge trip hazard and not accessible to wheelchair users." I nod my head in agreement. Many places, still, to this day, don't even have an accessible ramp or elevator.

My dad's left arm is hemiplegic, he has a shoulder subluxation and has a drop foot in his left foot. He takes numerous pills daily and has to be on a strict diet. He has minimal mobility. He endures so much, yet greets me with a smile on his face always. Throughout his journey, so many of his doctors and nurses noted how his determination would shine through daily. His story proves how strong he is. I'm lucky to have a warrior as a dad. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenna Jenkins is a senior at Montclair State University graduating this spring. She will walk away with a degree in Communication and Media with a minor in English. Jenna has previously written for Montclair State's school newspaper, The Montclarion, last month's EP Magazine issue with fellow student, Joseph Wissner, and was interviewed by MSU's streaming service, Hawkplus. She has been part of clubs and organizations such as: greek life, relay for life and marketing club. With graduation just around the corner, Jenna can't help but be immensely excited to travel and fulfill her dreams and aspirations in her future career.