Stroke victim, subject of “Can I Paint In Heaven?” to speak at gallery

On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 from 10 – 11 a.m., stroke survivor Linda Weatherspoon will speak as part of the gallery’s ongoing Coffee With the Authors series. “Can I Paint In Heaven?” is her family’s story of her near death experience and the long road to recovery.  In 2007, Linda, who lives in the Carolina Forest area of Myrtle Beach, SC, suffered a stroke due to a ruptured aneurysm. Her family was told not to expect much. She was in a coma for 18 days, after which she was partially blind, deaf and paralyzed. She didn’t recognize her children. She didn’t know her husband. She had to relearn the alphabet, basic arithmetic, and simple writing skills.

Her family supported and encouraged the former North Myrtle Beach High School art teacher as she began to draw (because she couldn’t write yet). Her son moved from Florida to help in her recovery. Her husband dropped out of physician’s assistant school to care for her. Her mother-in-law, Peggy Weatherspoon, also played a major role in her miraculous recovery. In fact, she edited the book, which consists of stories from different family members about Linda’s stroke and recovery.

Today, she paints, although she’ll tell you her work has changed since the stroke. Linda uses art to help other stroke victims, donating proceeds from book sales and artwork to the cause. This is sure to be an insightful and interesting presentation.

The event at Sunset River Marketplace is free, but seating is limited so reservations are required.  Register by clicking here and adding Coffee With the Authors to your cart. Or you can call 910-575-5999 or send an email to lassiter@staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com.

Sunset River Gallery