Don't Pull the Plug: A Lesson in Life - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Thomas Matola is a retired human factors engineer, instructor and psychotherapist. Currently-but not permanently-in a wheelchair because of a stroke suffered in 1991, Dr. Matola is now a sexologist, educator, writer and disability advocate. He serves on the City of San Jose Disability Advisory Commission.

Roberta Johnson has been an administrative law judge, attorney, professor, newspaper reporter and lobbyist. In retirement, she is forging new occupations in writing and publishing. She has been active as a disability advocate since her companion's stroke ten years ago. She is an avid hiker, writes haikus and sits as a judge pro tem.

Aus dem Klappentext

This collection of essays is a lesson in life.

For people who have suffered strokes or disabilities

of any kind, this book is an inspiration. It's an

example to follow to help you live a full and ful-

filling life.

For partners, spouses, parents and children of a

disabled person, it's a source of hope. Things can

get better--and you can help.

For home or professional caregivers, it's a tool to use

in the recovery process.

For those who aren't either disabled or caregivers,

this book is a life lesson. It instills a deep, joyous

appreciation of life, and urges living that life to the

fullest.

Auszug. © Genehmigter Nachdruck. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

ACCEPTANCE DOES NOT MEAN DEFEAT

I have observed that a question is often more important than an answer. Only with the right question can there be any hope of finding the right answer.

I have also observed, as a stroke survivor, that I often ask myself these questions: Why me? Why did I have a stroke?

In the four years since the "incident" I have gone around and around with that particular question and found no answer that really satisfied. Only recently, I broke through to another question and, in retrospect, it seems so simple I wonder why I never asked it before.

The new question became: Since I have had a stroke and I am the way I am, still in a wheelchair and still with my right side impaired, is there any reason for me to be a survivor? That question engendered others: Are there lessons to be learned? Is it my cosmic karma to now pay for past wrongs? Is there a positive side?

I have concluded that I cannot know for sure and, therefore I can choose. So I have decided to go forward. My mission is to continue my former life as a teacher. I now only teach about life, an active life for the disabled.