Words Lost in the Brain

My name is LaDonna Akens-Elam. I am 64 years old and I had a stroke 7 years ago. At that time I could not read or write. I have what is called Aphasia. Through speech therapy, much practice, and great friends who taught me about poetry, I am learning to put my words back together.

My dad, my family, and church really helped me keep going. I hope this book can help someone find their words as well.

I live in Lubbock, Texas for two of my grown children and their families. The other two children live in other states with their families. I went to high school at Rantoul Illinois. Later in life, I went to South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. I began to learn about psychology and sociology. Then I got this wonderful job working for the Chapter 13 Trustee in Lubbock, and I stayed there until I had my stroke, and I was made to retire. I love reading poetry on zoom with friends; I do music on Zoom as well. I love to crochet and read my Bible.