A year ago, it was questionable whether she would survive. Today, she is doing everything she can to be able to go to the grocery store by herself. Let's try to help her and contribute to the necessary rehabilitation at the Adeli Medical Center. Miriam is a model fighter, proof that you don't need to give up even in your senior years. Her discipline and inner peace are enviable, hats off to this lady of a certain age who loves life so much and who, despite her disability, has energy to spare.
A noble lady who isn't ashamed to state her age. „I'm 77 years old and I want to live. As fully as possible. I promised my granddaughter we would bake potato pancakes together. I can't disappoint her. I'm not giving up on my fight.“
Age is just a number, and Miriam definitely doesn't want to be considered „over the hill.“ That's one of the reasons she came to Adeli. They say the mind is half the cure, and hers is exceptionally positive and optimistic. She's always enjoyed life, and even February 2025 hasn't changed that.
The sprightly lady became a bedridden being. A stroke. „I couldn't do anything, not even turn over in bed. My condition was bad. I couldn't walk, I was fed, I didn't speak. Within a month, several complications arose, and I had two more strokes,“ says Miriam. In pain, dependent on hundred percent care, the eternally optimistic woman succumbed to dark thoughts. That her life no longer had meaning. But she quickly came to her senses – after all, her husband, children, and grandchildren stood by her, and that was a great reason to fight. „Such a depressive period, when I wanted to help my stroke kill me, thankfully lasted only a short time.“
The debate with Miriam is amazing. A year ago, she couldn't speak, and today all it takes is asking her a simple question like „How are you?“ and she'll give an extensive answer, sitting in her wheelchair, recounting her whole life. She worked until she was 71! Her speech isn't 100% yet, but communication is perfect nonetheless.
She loves her family – her grandchildren and great-grandchild are her biggest boost. „The worst is the feeling of losing my freedom; I still feel it, even though I've come a long way. But it's not enough for me; it's still not me. I can't go to the store alone, move from room to room; it's impossible. This diagnosis has also taught me patience. The only thing that can help me are rehabilitation and I'm ready to exercise tirelessly. I'm not the type of senior who should be put aside. I need to get back on my feet – that's my biggest dream,“ says Miriam with a smile. And she repeatedly adds: „One must keep in mind every day – it's worth living!“ Miriam is still dependent on a wheelchair, but there is a chance she will be able to stand on her own. She even experienced that feeling during her stay at ADELI. With assistance, she took her first cautious steps. However, she must continue with professional and intensive rehabilitation. The left side of her body is significantly weakened; although she can move her hand and leg, it's far from being fully functional. Even though she can now open a cream or lip balm by herself and wash herself at the sink. When it comes to hygiene, Miriam also has a message for everyone: While you can, replace your bathtub with a barrier-free shower cubicle. My husband and I didn't do it, and that's partly why I'm temporarily staying with my daughter. My husband is 80 years old, but physically and mentally he's like ten years younger. Every morning he brings me breakfast at my daughter's, but he can't wait for me to come home. And I believe it will be soon. Again, I'm lucky to have an amazing family and I'm convinced I will get back on my feet. I'm not giving up!“
