The Vitality of a Viking

Achieving a state of true happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain. It is elusive and is often even difficult to define. We all know it when we see it. When we meet someone that exudes true happiness or watch them in a video, perhaps see a photograph of a beautiful smile, there is a elemental understanding of an internal joy or peace that we feel we must understand.

We all want to define this elusive characteristic.  How is it that this person is so completely happy? What is the secret? And, most importantly, how can we recreate it for ourselves? I know of such a person. She is never depressed, never complains. She greets each day with a smile. She is always ready for the day’s tasks, challenges, and enjoyment. She is the mother to ten children, and has over 30 grandchildren and great (great) grandchildren. She has tried white water-rafting, paragliding, zip lining, target shooting at the pistol range, and even flown a single-engine aircraft. She has a ready hug and an infectious laugh. She tries to encourage people not to be a “sad sack”, “negative Nellie” or “downer Dave” and will readily share her favorite quote (by Kathleen J. Edgar):

Smile awhile and while you smile

          Another smiles
          And soon there will be miles and miles of smiles
          Because you smiled
         And life’s worth while because you smile

She is my mother. She just observed her 71st Mother’s day and celebrated her 92nd birthday. As a very active 90 plus, she is a constant source of inspiration to so many people . From from the first moment of introduction, people are drawn to her. What is her secret?  She is constantly asked, “How do you do it?” She embraces the joy of every day, revels in daily activity and is always as excited as a child with a new toy is when presented with the opportunity of another adventure.

She will tell you that you only have this moment. Live it fully. Yesterday is past and you cannot change it. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Focus on the positive and say yes to your dreams. She was eighty-eight when she published her first book. Today, four years later, she has four books in print and is working on two more. She writes for the pure love of storytelling but constantly laments her lack of time to focus on writing. She finds herself lost in the fascination of her research, which often sparks a flurry of notes on future storylines. But it is more than just that.  There are events to attend, birthdays and graduations, family barbeques, as well as heritage events and festivals that all promise fun. So much to do and so little time. I laugh when she says she doesn't have time to sit in a rocking chair like retired people are "supposed to do".

Why is her story important? Her zest for life is an inspiration to us all, but there is more to her story. In November 2016, she suffered a stroke. The onset did not present with any of the normal symptoms. She did not feel weakness or lose control of one side, there was no impact to her speech, and no noticeable indicators. As she moved in the kitchen, the room spun in a way she had never experienced before. She described it as more than dizzy and beyond a sense of vertigo. It was so severe and rapid that she knew there was something seriously wrong. Calling for help, an ambulance was quick to respond and she was in the emergency room in just over thirty minutes. Due to the quick medical treatment, she completely recovered with no lasting effects. She became committed to learning the early signs of a stroke, what she could do to limit her risk and what lifestyle changes she could make. She still lives ever day to the fullest, but now she checks her blood pressure. She watches what she eats a more carefully- but still thinks candy-coasted chocolate counts as adding “green” to her diet. Even more since this experience, she values every day as a gift.


May is stroke awareness month. Know the warning signs. The common symptoms many people associate with a stroke are paralysis on one side of the body, weak muscles or sudden coordination problems, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, confusion, or rapid involuntary eye movement. There are other signs you should never ignore, especially if they come on suddenly or unexpectedly. Did you know other symptoms might include overactive reflexes, problems with balance, intense lightheadedness or vertigo, difficulty swallowing, sudden severe headache, or a sudden inability to understand speech. If you even think there is a possibility you or someone you know if having a stroke, call an ambulance. The risk is too great to wait.

To learn more about her story, visit her website at www.vikingamma.com. Watch the video of her experience, told in her own words.


#strokeawareness
#vitality
#aging
#Iceland
#mom