Abstract

This is an intimate account of my relationship with my sister after she experienced a sudden, unexpected, and massive stroke at age 62, two years ago. In the telling of this story I hope to provide readers/therapists with an increased understanding of the two clinical conditions, aphasia and apraxia. I also hope to heighten the awareness of such patients and their family members. As a sister and a psychiatrist, I have had the unique opportunity to learn from this family tragedy. I would like to pass on my observations to others who will inevitably be relating as therapists or as relatives to stroke patients and their families as our population ages. Although this is simply one clinical vignette, readers may take from it whatever is relevant to their own life or practice.