At the age of 38, Susan Eik Filstead suffered a catastrophic stroke the morning after her son, Matthew, was born. Acute care, treatment and rehabilitation caused her to miss the first three-and-one half years of his life. Her husband, Bill, describes the impact this event has had on her, their son and himself through a personal diary he has kept over the 16 years since this stroke. It is a deeply moving and personal portrayal of their love, devotion to each other, and Susan's determination. The importance of HOPE is told in a raw, frank and humorous manner. As Bill points out, "Either we either can cry or laugh at the mess we are in-we choose to laugh. Without laughter we would have been dead a while ago." Bill's story of Susan's relentless effort to regain her life, to re-learn basic skills and tasks we all take for granted and her unwavering desire to walk and be recognized as Matthew's Mom and Bill's wife, will inspire you. Susan lives with hope Those who read this book will discover that "anything is possible," and will be renewed with a sense of hope to move forward and confront the challenges in their lives.