James Masker

In September of 2018, I had my first stroke of that year. It was touch and go for a few weeks, but I had survived with a very week left arm and a pronounced limp; but all in all I had seemed to recover and with some work, I was sure that I'd be able to get most of my mobility back. I was released from the Hospital on 6 November 2018, so glad to be home after 2 months in 3 different hospitals and home with my family ....

 

That lasted 2 short days. On the afternoon of Thursday, 8 November, I was in an ambulance headed to the hospital, suffering my second stroke.  This time, it was not as deadly as the first (originally I was given less than a 30% chance of survival) but it was more damaging. I was unable to talk, walk, swallow, or move except a very little.  It took the next 8 1/2 months of Intense physio therapy to get to where I am able to walk short distances,  eat most things and dink thickened liquids.

 

What it has robbed me of is an ability to express my artistic side.  I used to sing; now I can't sing in tune, I had played multiple instruments; I can't anymore. I used  to paint and draw; that's not feasible; nor is crocheting.  Lord knows I've tried.

 

Fast-forwards to early April 2025. I'm talking with one of my daughters and the subject of photography comes up.

She's interested and starting to get into it and I recall how I, at one time, enjoyed photography, until my apartment was broken into and my camera with all my equipment was stolen.

 

So that's where I am. Reacquainting myself with Photography.

This website is a way to share my journey while I learn and, hopefully, hone my skills as a photographer.