Stroke and Aphasia Resource Links
Stroke and Aphasia Information
Shirley Porus' News Article Links
Marcus Porus - Shirley's Husband and Caregiver
Shirley and I came to California in 1993 to retire and enjoy the weather and our son, Steve. We were looking forward to a new adventure. We bought a new home, made new friends and began enjoying our retirement. Then, five years later on November 11,1998 Shirley had a massive stroke. In one split second, fate set us onto a different course of life.
Shirley because of the brain damage has aphasia, which is a communication impairment usually acquired as the result of a stroke. It effects the ability to express oneself through both speech and writing.
One day I was going through old files of hers and came upon all her creative writings, which consisted of poems, letters, music and short stories. Reading her works, my thoughts went to how Shirley was able to so beautifully express so many of her own emotions of love, understanding, compassion and much more. She not only wrote to express her own inner emotions, but for others who could not express themselves in writing poetry.
Knowing that Shirley is still the same wonderful human being, but who can't express herself in writing her deepest thoughts. I called Steve and expressed to him that if he could put all her works into a book form it would be a tribute to a wonderful woman who has so much understanding of the emotions of others. Shirley and I have been married for over fifty-six years and are now on a different course of life and doing the best we can with our new adventure.
Sorry, but Shirley Porus' Book is currently out of print. This website will be updated when copies become available.
In Loving Memory of Shirley Porus
June 18, 1924 to
February 8, 2010
Shirley was an
Author, Poet, Songwriter,
Singer,
Fine Artist and a
Stroke Survivor who lived with Aphasia
for eleven years.
Click here to view
Son's Eulogy.
Click here to email
Marcus Porus.
Click here to email
Steven Jay Porus.
View the movie from
Shirley's 80th Birthday Party
Video shot by Aaron Petrynek, stills shot by Gerry Reeves,
and movie edited by Steven Jay Porus.
QuickTime is required to view movie.
Click here for free download.
This site is dedicated to my mother. Shirley Porus had her massive stroke on November 11, 1998. I am in awe of her. Mom worked so hard to rebuild her life. This site and her book "Is That Really Me? A Collection of writings by Shirley Porus" are a part of that journey.
As proud as I am of my mother, I realize that Dad had been the wind beneath Mom's wings. Her successes were also his successes. They have taught me never give up.
This all started when Mom, Dad and I were reading poems and letters my Mother had written over the years. After listening to these pearls she asked my father and I, "Is That Really Me?" We answered, "Yes!"
Through the years, Mom has touched so many lives. Her words of love and encouragement have helped strangers as much as family and friends. I get shivers just thinking about how my mother helped people she didn't even know. I remember Mom had received a call from a man whose wife had committed suicide. Through the process of asking questions, listening and writing, Mom helped him grieve and find peace.
I feel so privileged to organize my mother's collection of writings. I have the opportunity to relive one of God's greatest gifts to me. Being my mother's son, Steven Jay Porus.
Click here to e-mail Marcus Porus .
Here are three sample poems
included in her book.
Copyrignt 2003 by Shirley Porus, All Rights Reserved
He's a father and husband, full of love and compassion, He's eager to help you and quick to decide The "shirt off his back" phrase is most appropo; When he loves you he gives you the key to his heart. He is a composite of all good that exists, I know such a man who is all of these things.
There are so many things to say, I don't know where to start.
But, the time has come to let you know just what is in my heart. The joy you brought when you were born could never be expressed.
You culminated all our dreams - we knew we had the best! The years went by in which we felt the trials you have endured,
but we were there right at your side to help you feel assured. We did our best, though many times our judgement was impaired,
and then we'd pray that in the end you'd triumph and be spared. For many years you've fought us because you knew not our intent,
but still we kept on trying, feeling soon you would relent. Through it all our love has grown as time proceeds to pass,
and now you know you can count on us - you understand at last! Of course, there came a time when we knew you had to go,
to find your way, to have your say, to make good friends and foes. PLEASE take care of our one and only for he is all we have.
I'm trusting you to follow through, taking the YELLOW BRICK PATH. One day you'll find that which you seek and then, my son, you'll know
that we'll be there, no matter how the "quell", we love you so! HAPPY BIRTHDAYTO MY HUSBAND
ON HIS BIRTHDAY
with inner strength visible to all who have access.
which method is better - he'll stick by your side.
he's gentle and giving - one look and you know.
Take care not to break it or take it apart.
his presence will warm you - his love offers bliss.
He sleeps in my bed, this great King of Kings TO MY SON
ON HIS BIRTHDAY LIFE IS SWEET
(Published)
Life can truly be so sweet
when happiness and love you reap
from seeds of giving and taking sewn
and all life's adventures being to unfold.
Trouble will no doubt exist
so, fight you must to fulfill your quest.
Enjoy each day as if the last,
forget about sadness long ago past.
You'll watch the sun light up the sky,
thrill at the sight of birds in flight,
feel warm breezes kiss your face,
the world is yours to just embrace.
So make the most of what "He" gave you.
Enjoy His Gifts - He'll not forsake you.
Hold tightly everything held dear.
Cherish each moment to banish all fear.
Yes, life can truly be so sweet.
Help it to happen 'till God you do meet!
8/28/94