Today Debbie and I went to Frankfurt for a checkup. After finding the right office, I was given a Doppler exam - a sonogram of my Coratid arteries feeding the brain. The arteries were clear and blood flowed properly. The stint inserted during surgery is open. There are no physical restrictions and blood pressure is at normal levels.

The doctor stated following the exam: "I took the liberty to look at you documents and scans from the day of your stroke. You do realize that your condition now is absolutely amazing, in light of the damage?! Your paralyzed limbs have recovered well, your face is symmetrical. We did our part, but it is evident you have worked diligently." "Furthermore," he stated, "your further recovery is to be expected, don't get discouraged - keep pressing forward."

From there we went to the ward, where I met with some of the staff that cared for me in those early hours. "Yes, we remember you"' stated the head nurse. I showed them the golf trophy I won less than two months after the stroke and they laughed with joy. "This is pure delight. You must realize, no one ever returns to thank us for our care." Well, I do thank you.

Even Raul, the young Spaniard, who gave me a shower was there today. He didn't recognize me with clothes on. I didn't get undressed just so he could remember.

{gallery}stories,single=BrainScanSm.jpg,salign=right{/gallery}This is a scan from the initial CT scan, that indicated all was not well. The injury is circled in red. It is dead brain tissue, that received the lack of oxygenation due to blood deprivation. No,  it never grows back. Other cells must relearn to take over its function - or remain handicapped. On the CT it is reversed - actually it is the right hemisphere, therefore it was the left side that was paralyzed.

All in all, it is good to embrace that God has my life, ministry, and family firm in His hand. And the photo is for the doubters: The straw man really does have a brain. It is less than it was eight months ago, but nonetheless, I really do have a brain.