Time and Patience
My Journey Through Stroke Recovery
by Claudio Pettinaro

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When Claudio Pettinaro collapsed onto the bathroom floor one winter morning, he had no idea his life was about to split in two—before the stroke, and after. What followed was a year defined by confusion, fear, emotional upheaval, and the slow, often painful work of rebuilding a life that had changed without warning. Time and Patience is Claudio’s honest, unfiltered account of his first year of stroke recovery, told not by a doctor or medical expert, but by an ordinary man suddenly thrust into an extraordinary fight. From the chaos of the Emergency Department to the long, disorienting days on a neurology floor, from relearning how to move and speak to navigating the collapse of his marriage and the weight of loneliness, Claudio illuminates the realities most stroke survivors face but rarely voice. Yet throughout, there is hope. It flickers, disappears, returns, and ultimately leads him forward. More than a memoir, Time and Patience is a companion for anyone overwhelmed by the aftermath of a major health crisis. It offers reassurance that recovery is not linear, that frustration and fear are normal, and that a meaningful life after stroke is possible. Claudio’s message is simple but vital: You don’t have to walk this road alone.

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After surviving a life-changing stroke, Claudio Pettinaro felt compelled to write the book he wished he’d had during recovery. He holds an English degree from York University’s Glendon College and has always been drawn to writing. During his recovery, the writing of his memoir Time and Patience became both a grounding practice and a way to reach others who might be facing similar setbacks or feelings of isolation. Originally from the Toronto area, Claudio spent two years recovering while living with his widowed mother before moving to a quiet, accessible apartment three hours north of the city. Surrounded by nature and peaceful routines, he continues to focus on healing, writing, and rediscovering joy. He enjoys animals, being outdoors, and the therapies and exercises that support his ongoing progress.

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Contributors

Author

Claudio Pettinaro