Instead of a letter, I thought this poem would be the perfect way to start the new year. I found "Enough," by L.A. Tyle, in a neighborhood Poetry Post, while walking my dog.

I began quilting seriously when I moved to Oregon in 2003.  I worked, however, as a judge, and as a result I made 3 or 4 quilts a year because my work, however enjoyable, was quite a burden. 

Then I had my stroke in 2008.  I lost the use of my right hand (my dominant hand) and my work.  Quilting was one of the things from which I got a lot of happiness.  So in order to continue quilting, I did my therapy steadily over two years. 

I still could not use my right hand.  But if someone else cut fabric for me, and someone quilted the blankets for me at the end, I still chose the patterns and put the pieces together.

During the time I have been sheltering in place during the pandemic, the time is perfect for quilting.  All the quilts shown below have been made by me after my stroke. Most of them are throw quilts.

Please share projects or photos of what you've been up to with Anne at anne@nwbrain.network

Stroke is an event usually caused by rupture of a blood vessel or blockage by a clot, resulting in the lack of supply of oxygen and nutrients, and damage to the brain tissue. Even if you are not a candidate for stroke, or don't know why you had one, this news might help you. Protein C deficiency occurs in less than 1 of every 200 to 500 people, whereas protein S deficiency can be expected in less than 1 of every 500 individuals. 

Deficiency of Proteins C and/or S can lead to bleeding, but the good news is there is a test you may consider if you develop a blood clot and have a family member with a deficiency of one or both of these natural anticoagulants. Testing healthy relatives of people with a natural anticoagulant deficiency of C and S has advantages which may include increased awareness of the risk factors for and symptoms of blood clots. 

Recognizing the symptoms of a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE) allows for prompt treatment to minimize the risk of lasting side effects. It is important to work with your doctor to understand your individual risk, preventive strategies including not smoking, lowering your weight, and achieving  cholesterol and blood pressure in the safe range, and therapeutic options in the event of a DVT or PE from deficiencies of Protein C and S.