Never Give Up!

'Poppies & Lavender' one of
Judi's recent paintings

As we batten down the hatches in preparation for the predicted storm and I have a relatively early night, I have been reflecting on a special artist friend of mine who suffered a pretty severe stroke over a year ago. 


My friend, Judi, paints the most joyful flower and coastal paintings that blaze with colour and light up a room. They are guaranteed to raise the spirits if you are feeling somewhat down like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day.


It was Judi's passion for painting, together with her determination to get well again, that has helped her on the road to a remarkable recovery. Although her speech wasn't too affect her right side was and consequently her right hand and , yes, she is right-handed, so what did Judi do - she started painting with her left hand! First of all she started drawing whilst still in hospital, then when home again she got busy with her beloved brush and paints. 


Today, Judi told me that she is, once again, painting with her right hand. She has had her new paintings in local exhibitions and is selling her cards, tote bags and T-Shirts again and is also on Trade-Me.


This is one amazing lady; a real inspiration and not just to anyone who suffers a stroke but to us all. 


From having to use a walker, a walking stick and having help at home to do many of the everyday tasks Judi now walks unaided. Admittedly she has to take it slowly and certainly won't be doing any marathons, but this lady just wasn't going to give up! Judi is also driving her car again - just to the shops and with a kind neighbour  who goes with her just in case.


Judi admits that the old brain isn't as quick as it used to be (tell me about it! All those Senior Moments. . . ) and she also finds the computer a bit of a challenge. She finds she can only stay on it a while but even so she won't give up trying to do the things she was able to do before her stroke.


I think Judi must have read these quotes by Helen Keller - 


'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'

'Never bend you head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.'

'Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it we can never do anything good in the world.' 

We had lunch today and I told her that I had written about the importance, in fact the need, to affirm ourselves every now, and then in my blog yesterday and that she needed to affirm just how far she had come since that fateful day when she was struck down.

So I celebrate and dedicate today's blog to my amazing friend Judi who I know will never give up and who inspires us all. Go Judi! Thank you for inspiring so many with your positive 'Never Give Up' attitude and your ability to laugh at life. We love you.

Flowers for an Absolutely Fabulous Lady!