As Mary Deits emerged from the fog of a major stroke, brain surgery, and four days of coma she embarked upon an unusual path. This was an exciting chance to learn, not an ordeal to be endured. As she moved from the critical stages of physical recovery through a short stay in a rehabilitation hospital to returning home, Mary was always out front leading the way. Her family provided a supportive, encouraging atmosphere allowing her freedom to move at her own pace.

The book is written in story form and organized by theme. Many of the early stories are written in the first person as though you are there. This approach best conveys the story as Mary experienced it. Later stories are in narrative form. When appropriate, Mary has included her current observations of what was happening at the time the event occurred. There are also stories by her husband Frank, daughter Patti, and son John who participated in her recovery.

Woven throughout the book are more subtle themes. Mary and Franks view of the recovery process is unusual. What would ordinarily be seen as a “setback” is viewed as a sign of healing. As reconnections emerge in the brain the immediate result is often disrupting. This is followed by a period of integration with a return of some ability. The book also gives a feeling of Mary’s motivation. In one section Mary writes “Each day I felt like a child excitedly opening a Cracker Jack box. What prize would I find today?”

There are also short original articles on the use of biofeedback, neurofeedback, imagery, and the role of motivation in Mary's remarkable recovery. 

You will find it hard to lay the book down. The stories in My Exciting Stroke are engaging. You will find yourself right there with Mary as she experiences the onset of the stroke, and understand Frank as he is told of Mary’s condition. Laugh, cry, and cheer Mary on as she makes her first attempts at vacuuming, baking cookies, and dealing with the “Fire Breathing Monster”. 

The book is easy to read. The stories are short and each stands alone. It is intended for the stroke survivor and significant others who need all the help they can get in understanding the experience they are going through.