Ouch and more ouch!!! Imressed that you are functioning as much as you are, sounds like you have true grit!!
I actually found this forum because I was looking for advice on RSD, and decided to see if they also had a forum for stroke survivors, since I also had a stroke at age 7.

I was just trying to explain to my mom that she cannot possibly know how it feels to have grown up like me, and reading about you, I see I cannot possibly understand how you feel. I can admire and respect your tenacity at living your life and being the survivor you most certainly are!

I hope today is a good day for you, and hope you will have many good days!!
Dawn