MIRIAMA'S STORY
I used to work at a company that made commercial dishwashers for restaurants and bars. I was there for seven years and I was an inventory controller. When I had my stroke in December 2002, everything stopped. I ended up being paralysed down the right side of my body and for a whole two weeks I didn't remember anything.
I was 44 years old when I had the stroke, and my husband Terry and children Mihi and Sonny were very, very supportive. Terry never left my side for the first four months – he was really good in caring for me as well. Unfortunately, I suffered my stroke during a very sad period in my life, as my mother was dying of brain cancer at the time.
My husband is Terry and my children...2 children (Mihi –she's going to be a policewoman –got a baby girl name is Angel...Sonny my son.. he's just Sonny (he works from 6.30am to 7.30pm.. he's 21 years old and he's got a girlfriend called Magdalena.
My son Sonny used to work with me at the same company but after the stroke
Mihi is 25 yrs old...
We live in Ranui....my mother was dying at the time.. she had a stroke and then she had cancer in the brain...Mum was 65 when she passed away....
Before I came to CE I was sent to Rehab Plus for 3 months......and after then I went to physio.....for 4 months...
I got out of Rehab Plus in July 2003......and came to CE
Some things I can do myself like do the washing and dishes, and try and do the vacuuming, do my own bed; and I look after my moko...my time at Rehab Plus and attending CE session, have helped me to get to this stage.
I am able to go out socially about 2 years after my stroke....
I am Ngapuhi and Ngati Whatua.....from the Hokianga.....
