The Mamas and Coffee Newsletter

Real Life. Real Conversations. Real Stroke Stories That Matter.

​Hey FABulous Reader, ​

Today marks 5 years since my stroke.

And no, I’m not celebrating the stroke itself. I’m celebrating the fact that I’m still here. Still standing. Still speaking. Still sharing my story and recovery journey.

Five years ago, on April 17, 2021, I was at my husband’s farewell party as we prepared for our move to San Diego for his next duty station as a U.S. Naval Officer. There was laughter, pictures, and good company—just a normal day. That photo of me and my husband? It was taken just a couple of hours before my stroke.

And let me be clear, there was NOTHING about that day that made me think something was wrong. No warning signs. No health concerns. No stress. Nothing.

And that man in the other picture? No, that’s not my husband. That’s one of the people who was out with us that evening, celebrating. It was a night surrounded by friends… until everything changed. He was actually the first person to notice that something was wrong. My husband and I were sitting at different tables because I was off running my mouth. And yes, a few months after my stroke, I was cleared by doctors to move, and they came by to visit us and say farewell because they were unable to do so at the party due to my dramatic exit with sirens blaring. It's ok, you can smile at that last part. No, I don't remember leaving the venue. There is a whole period of time that I have no memory of.

My stroke was caused by something called carotid webbing—a rare condition where a small abnormality in the artery can disrupt blood flow and lead to clot formation. Translation? Stroke risk without the typical warning signs. Again, I had NO prior health concerns.

We did eventually move because I wanted to keep life as “normal” as possible. But the truth is, life wasn’t normal anymore. At least not my old normal.

Yes, I spent time in the ICU and stroke unit. Yes, I went through speech, physical, and occupational therapy. But the therapy that came later—and honestly hit the hardest—was mental health therapy. Because the real battle for me has been the hidden scars.

To the outside world, I look fine. But what people don’t see is the mental load, the emotional shifts, and the daily work of accepting a new normal that doesn’t look different but feels very different.

People see me and would NEVER think I’m a stroke warrior. But I am. Every single day.

And here’s the part that still gives me chills. At the end of 2020, going into 2021, I remember asking God what my purpose was and to slap me in the face to get me to see it. I felt like I was drifting away from what I loved building with Mamas and Coffee and leaning into what felt easy instead of what felt right.

Now I joke and say, “Welp, maybe God answered me on April 17, 2021, and knocked me upside the head.” But in all seriousness, something shifted.

My purpose became clear—to use my voice, to share real stories, to build community, and to sprinkle joy… even in the hard stuff. BUT you know what? I was still afraid to step into it fully. Why? Because others kept asking me why I was still talking about my stroke. Others were uncomfortable with seeing me being vulnerable online. And you know what? Me being quiet hurt ME more than it helped.

Why Stroke Talks Exists

​Stroke Talks is for stroke warriors, family members, caregivers, friends, and anyone who wants to hear and have REAL conversations about stroke.

This isn’t about perfect stories or polished experiences. It’s about honesty. It’s about connection. It’s about sitting in a space where you can say, “This is hard,” and someone else gets it.

Every interview, every virtual event, and every small group session is about bringing people together—peer to peer to share, listen, and support one another.

Because sometimes, you don’t need solutions. You just need someone who understands.

Want to Help Me Keep This Going? ☕

If this story or any story I’ve shared has ever made you feel seen, encouraged, or just a little less alone.

You can support Stroke Talks by Buying Me a Coffee.​

Every $1 helps. Truly.

It helps me reach more people, share more stories, and continue offering free interviews and small group sessions for those who need it most. Because right now, this mission is fully funded by me and fueled by purpose (and coffee ☕).

About the Brand

Stroke Talks is a community within Mamas and Coffee® — a Sybil Jones production.

Support the Mission If you’re enjoying the conversations, stories, and real-life moments shared here, you can support by Buying Me a Coffee ☕

Prefer PayPal? I’ve got you covered HERE​

Stroke Talks isn’t a nonprofit—just a passion-driven, purpose-filled space built on real stories, real conversations, and a whole lot of heart (and coffee).

Stay Connected New conversations, events, and stories drop weekly right here. Don’t miss them.

Upcoming Events

Events hosted by Mamas and Coffee. Virtual and in-person. Pull up a chair and come chat with us.

Date: Monday, April 20th

Time: 1 PM ET - 2 PM ET

Where: Zoom aka the comfort of your home

Who can attend: Anyone who registers

Cost: FREE

This week, we’re keeping it simple. We're introducing ourselves and sharing a bit about our individual stroke journeys and causes.

It’s FREE, but seats are limited, so grab your spot and invite someone who needs this space too 💜

Register now and come mingle with us.

Register HERE

So as I close out this weeks newsletter, I want to remind everyone to remember six simple words as you start your week. Know You. Be You. Love You!®

~ Sybil aka MomJonz