How I Thrive: Sabra House
Sabra House suffered a stroke in May 2023 which sidelined her from her work as a licensed clinical social worker, and her busy creative life. Some of her creations have included necklaces, beading, birdhouses, and spirit dolls… and artwork created in The Holland Center’s art classes led by Larry Charles.
When Sabra was taking time off to recover, Larry noticed her absence right away and called to check on her. Sabra said she was touched by this. And we like that one of our classes turned out to be a connection point for one of our patron’s well-being. When one of our regulars is missing from a class, antennas are up.
“It’s amazing all the people Larry knows and cares for from his classes beyond just being a student,” said Sabra.
Sabra said that she was disappointed in her hand-eye coordination at the beginning of recovery, but that Larry’s classes were good for exercising those skills. “Larry was one of the angels who helped increase my confidence and ability to fully function again,” said Sabra. In just 30 days following her stroke, Sabra was able to return to work, and go back to creating works of art in Larry’s classes.
And those skills will certainly come in handy for some of her other favorite activities: kayaking, cooking, doing jigsaw puzzles, swimming, and traveling to her favorite vacation spot: Africa. She’s been to Africa on safari seven times and said she hopes to go again on her 85th birthday.
“I recently celebrated my 83rd birthday and the two-year anniversary of my stroke,” said Sabra. “I am so glad to be alive and able to work and enjoy my life.”
It’s no surprise that this African proverb is one of Sabra’s favorite quotes: “When death finds me, let it find me living.”
