here are many trials that one may face as they go through life. These obstacles often appear at a time in life that many consider to be markers of life. Many expect to face declining health, hearing loss, and other sorts of issues at an older age. No one ever expects to be hit with a stroke at a young age, when their children are hardly old enough to read. The story of Delaine Stephenson in "Calm Before the Storm" is one such that shows even the young and spirited are vulnerable to strokes. Through the trials that young Delaine faces, one can see the abundance of faith and hope that allowed her to prevail against her pervasive episode.

The story of Mrs. Stephenson begins with her sister. Having to witness the anguish of her sister's stroke …show more content…
With her mobility, speech, and dignity sullied, Mrs. Stephenson felt very low at this point in life. Especially being a very controlling person, a teacher at that, she recalled the terrors of having to relinquish financial responsibilities to her husband and other relatives. In the "Analysis of the concept of powerlessness in individuals with stroke," (Alves et al) the most important finding that can be said is how the study attests to the importance of a "casual" relationship with the medical professionals that assist the survivor on a daily routine. In the case of Delaine, she was very blessed to have met two such people as she regained her independence. As she began with her physical therapy, she would be graced by the presence of a nurse named Mary, and what a saint she would prove to be for Delaine. As would be attested in an article studying the use of EMG biofeedback in certain activities, staying motivated and active, both in mind and body, has major benefits to the survivors of stroke in any event (Garrido-Montenegro et al.) Another figure that would be a great influence on Delaine would be Elizabeth, the speech therapist. Learning to regain her former faculties, she would also learn to regain her confidence. This is best shown after she finally regains much of her speech capacity and confidently tells a nurse to "back off." While perhaps perceived as rude, this is a touching moment when considering what a burden she has faced losing much of her former life to this stroke. Having a mother as a speech therapist, I really enjoyed watching the process of the two women working through the sounds that would seem so simple but would prove a challenge to the new Delaine. The love that Delaine was surrounded with was a positive influence as she was recovering as reinforced by Mutai et al in their study. They attest that an important factor in stroke survivors