The expression “It takes a village …” is commonly used. I would like to amend it to “It takes everyone” in my case.
A year ago, I suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke. Over the course of this past year, I found myself in multiple hospitals and care centers. I did make it home in January and back to remote work in April. I am not writing for sympathy. I am not a stroke victim but rather a stroke survivor!
There are many reasons that my road to recovery, albeit long, is going so well. For one there is Oak Park Firehouse #2, which responded to my call for help on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. The ambulance that came took me to Loyola in Maywood. The hospitals all were so helpful caring for me during my many times of need. I also went to Marionjoy in Wheaton and Thrive of Lisle for the bulk of my rehabilitative care. All of the therapists, doctors, nurses and care providers really did a phenomenal job getting me back where I needed to be.
Then there is my family who daily helped me with so many tasks, big and small. I would not be where I am today without them. And, of course, my friends who would visit, call, send email and pen letters. Really so many of them! I do not have the space here to mention everyone’s names. I included one picture of Garrett LeFleur from the fire station. I went there on July 20 of this year to personally thank the team for helping save my life.
The truly beautiful thing is that it literally took hundreds of people to save my life! Everyone I came in contact with over the past year played a role with the new me. It is something to keep in mind with your own life. There are countless numbers of people who play such significant roles in our lives.
Never forget that! And thank them all! For it really does take everyone!
David Wick
Oak Park