I'm thankful for a stubborn role model :)

[Spinnerette]

I am thankful for my grandmother's infectious stubbornness.

In August 2008, at age 74, she went to her ear, nose & throat doctor because she was feeling a bit dizzy and she decided she had labyrinthitis.

Her doctor – at age 83 if I'm not mistaken – was just as stubborn, and started running tests. He didn't stop till he found something.

What he found, was a brain tumor (meningioma).
She didn't even think about it and got the surgery done less than 2 months later.

(With a neurologist who could very well play Gregory House, I might add.)

This picture was taken in late November '08, right after she had left the hospital and gone to this retirement home to continue her physical therapy.

Because of all the physical exercising, she's better than before, and although a large number of surgeries like that can result in a coma, vegetative state or loss of motor/cognitive skills, all she lost was her sense of smell.

[Mushr00m]

nice portrait, i love the DOF & the sun in her hair..
your model has a great smile too..

[Preacherman]

Good for her. The smile says it all. Great story and pic. I love this sort of thing. Lifts my spirit. Thanks. PAUL
PS Hope the staff member's not there to prevent her escaping!!!!

[Spinnerette]

Mushr00m, thank you!

Originally Posted by Preacherman

PS Hope the staff member's not there to prevent her escaping!!!!

If you mean the woman in pink, it's my mom!
(grandma is home now, but when she was there we had to wear visitor IDs)

[lindyannajones]

It's Thanksgiving here in the states and if ever there was something to feel thankful for it would be your grandmother's amazing medical journey and recovery. Look at how vibrant she is! I'm glad you posted her picture. She's inspiring.

[SoxAddict]

What a great story! A truly inspirational lady. I love her photo too - love how you can see her looking at you even though she's wearing sunglasses.

[toyvlle]

What a lovely photo of your grandmother. Her love of life shows in her beautiful smile. It is so wonderful that she made a full recovery, her determination and faith helped guide her through it all. Thank you for sharing this photo and story of inspiration.

[Spinnerette]

thanks everybody!
this image means a lot to me and I'm glad I hadn't shared it before...
it was really pleasant reading all your comments!

be sure to have faith in your elderly loved ones – there's a good chance they'll surprise you when you least expect it.

[windrider86]

If that isnt an inspirational story and photo, I dont know what is!!